Everything about the name MEMPHIS

Meaning, origin, history

Memphis is an uncommon yet captivating name of Egyptian origin. It is derived from the ancient city of Memphis, which was founded around 3100 BCE and served as the capital of ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom period. The city was named after the ancient Egyptian god Ptah, who was associated with creation and craftsmanship, and whose sacred animal was the bull.

The name Memphis has a rich history that spans over four thousand years. It is said to have been chosen by the first pharaoh of unified Egypt, Menes, as a symbol of his power and divine right to rule. The city of Memphis was located near the entrance to the Nile Delta, making it an important commercial and political center throughout much of ancient Egyptian history.

Despite its long history, the name Memphis is not particularly common today. However, it has gained some popularity in recent years as a unique and memorable choice for a child's name. Some notable people with the name Memphis include American rapper Memphis Bleek, born Malik Cox, and Memphis Depay, a Dutch footballer who was named after the city by his parents.

Overall, the name Memphis is a striking and historic choice that evokes images of ancient Egypt and its rich cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn to its unique sound or its fascinating origins, choosing the name Memphis for your child is sure to make them stand out from the crowd.

Popularity of the name MEMPHIS since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

Here are some interesting statistics about the name Memphis in the United States:

* The name Memphis first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of baby names in 1915, with just five babies being given this unique name that year. * After a gap of several decades, the name started to gain traction again in the mid-1990s. In 1994, six babies were named Memphis, and this number remained steady until the new millennium approached. * The turn of the century marked a significant increase in popularity for the name Memphis. In 2001, there were 31 births registered with this name, more than five times the number recorded just one year prior. * This upward trend continued throughout the early 2000s, with annual birth counts ranging from a low of 36 in 2003 to a high of 86 in 2009. During these years, Memphis consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular baby names for boys. * The name Memphis experienced another surge in popularity starting around 2014. In that year, there were 104 babies named Memphis, a significant increase from the previous year's total of 82 births. * This growth trajectory continued into the 2020s, with record-breaking numbers of babies being given the name Memphis each year. In 2021 and 2022 alone, there were 218 and 251 births registered with this name, respectively – marking all-time highs for annual Memphis births in the United States. * As of 2023, a total of 2272 babies have been named Memphis since records began in 1915. This unique and distinctive name has clearly resonated with parents across multiple generations.

These statistics demonstrate how the name Memphis has evolved in popularity over time, with several notable spikes in usage throughout its history. Despite being relatively uncommon for much of the 20th century, Memphis has experienced a remarkable resurgence since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its current trend suggests that it will continue to be a popular choice among parents seeking an unusual yet memorable name for their children.