Lassie, a popular moniker of Scottish origin, is derived from the Lowland Scots word 'lassie', which translates to 'girl'. This name has gained significant recognition and warmth due to its association with the iconic fictional character, Lassie, from the long-running film and television series created by Eric Knight. The story of Courageous Lad, or Lassie as she came to be known, has captivated audiences worldwide since her debut in 1940. The name Lassie thus evokes images of loyalty, bravery, and devotion, qualities embodied by the canine protagonist who has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
The name Lassie saw its popularity fluctuate over the years with a significant increase around the turn of the century (1890-1900) and again during World War I (1914-1918), peaking at 32 births in 1915. The peak was likely influenced by the release of "Lassie Come-Home" by Eric Knight in 1940, though popularity started to decline from the late 1940s onwards.