Dodge is an English name that originates from the Old English word 'doege', which means 'lead' or 'to lead'. It is also associated with the verb 'dodge', meaning to move quickly and nimbly, often to avoid something. The name Dodge has been used as a given name for centuries in England and other English-speaking countries.
The surname Dodge has a separate origin. It comes from an Old English word 'doege', which means 'flood'. This surname was originally a nickname given to someone who lived near a flood-prone area or was prone to floods himself.
There is also a lesser-known meaning associated with the name Dodge in some cultures. In these cultures, Dodge is said to mean 'brave' or 'courageous', although this interpretation is not as widespread as the others.
Throughout history, there have been several notable people named Dodge. One of the most famous was Dodge City founder James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, who was known for his quick reflexes and shooting skills. Another well-known figure is automotive pioneer John Francis Dodge, who founded the Dodge Brothers automobile company with his brother Horace in 1900.
In popular culture, Dodge has been used as a character name in various movies, TV shows, books, and video games. For example, it was used as the last name of a main character in the animated series "Futurama" and as the first name of a character in the video game series "Fallout".
Overall, the name Dodge has a strong and varied history with multiple meanings and origins, making it an interesting choice for parents looking for unique names for their children.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Dodge has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The first recorded birth with the name Dodge was in 1937, with five births that year. This number remained consistent until 1987, indicating that the name had maintained a steady level of popularity for several decades.
However, starting in 1990, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Dodge each year. The number of births climbed from five in 1990 to seven in 1993, then jumped to 14 in both 1994 and 1996. This trend continued into the new millennium, with a peak of 37 births in 2010.
Interestingly, despite this growth in popularity, the name Dodge has not followed the typical pattern of peaking early in the decade and then declining. Instead, it has maintained a relatively high level of popularity throughout the 2000s and 2010s. The highest number of births recorded was 37 in 2010, but even as recently as 2022, there were 28 births.
Overall, from 1937 to 2023, there have been a total of 652 babies named Dodge born in the United States. This consistent and growing popularity over many decades suggests that the name Dodge has become an established choice for parents looking for a unique yet classic name for their child.