Very often the same first names were passed down again and again throughout the generations of a single family.
During much of the 1700s and 1800s, people in England and Ireland were commonly named after grandparents. And sometimes a mother’s maiden surname was passed down as a given name.
First names thus provide clues into family history. But they also carry unique meanings.
Let’s look at the meaning of the most popular first names of the last 100 years.
10 Most Popular Girl Names
1. Mary – From the Hebrew word meaning “bitterness,” or it may be from an Egyptian name meaning “beloved” or “love.”
2. Patricia – The female form of Patrick, it means “aristocrat,” or “of noble descent.”
3. Jennifer – This name, the Cornish form of Guinevere, only became common outside of Cornwall, England after George Bernard Shaw used it in his 1906 play “The Doctor’s Dilemma.” It means “fair one,” or “woman of white magic.”
4. Elizabeth – From the Hebrew meaning “promised to God.”
5. Linda – From the English linden tree, or the Spanish word meaning “pretty one.”
6. Barbara – Derived from the Greek, this name means “stranger” or “foreigner.”
7. Susan – From the Hebrew word for “lily.”
8. Jessica – This name first appeared in Shakespeare’s 1596 play “The Merchant of Venice,” and he probably took it from the biblical name Iscah. It means “One who can foresee” or “God beholds.”
9. Margaret – This name means “pearl.”
10. Sarah – From the Hebrew, meaning “princess.”
10 Most Popular Boy Names
1. James – “Following after,” or to “supplant” or “replace.”
2. John – From the Hebrew, meaning “God has been gracious.”
3. Robert – “Brilliant fame;” this name has been very common in England since the Normans first introduced it there.
4. Michael – From the Hebrew, it means “a gift from God.”
5. William – Of Germanic derivation, this name means a “strong-willed warrior” or “resolute protector.”
6. David – This name derives from the Hebrew and means “beloved.”
7. Richard – From the Normans, meaning “powerful leader.”
8. Joseph – From the Hebrew; this name means “God will increase.”
9. Thomas – From an Aramaic word meaning “twin.”
10. Charles – From the Germanic word meaning “man,” or “army, warrior.”
Now Find the Meaning of Your Full Name
The meaning of your first name is just the beginning of the story.
Find out the meaning of your full name by researching your surname as well.
Your last name may point you in the direction of royal heritage or link you to a region you had no idea you might be from.
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