Fleetwood is an uncommon but intriguing given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Fleetwood, which is itself a locational name originating from a village in Lancashire, England called Fleetwood. The name of the village is composed of two Old English elements: "flette," meaning "flat" or "level," and "wudu," meaning "wood." Therefore, the name Fleetwood can be translated as "flat wood."
The surname Fleetwood was first recorded in the late 13th century when one Thomas de Fleetwood was listed in the Assize Rolls of Lancashire in 1286. Since then, it has been passed down through generations and has been used occasionally as a given name.
While not as popular as many other names, Fleetwood has appeared in various forms throughout history and literature. For instance, there is a famous jazz musician named Peter Green who performed under the stage name "Fleetwood Mac," which later became the band's official name. This association with music may have contributed to increased awareness of the name Fleetwood.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Fleetwood remains relatively rare. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only five boys were named Fleetwood in 2019, making it one of the least popular names that year. However, its uniqueness and interesting origin may appeal to parents looking for something distinctive for their child.
In conclusion, Fleetwood is an uncommon English given name with a unique and meaningful origin. Derived from the locational surname Fleetwood, which means "flat wood," this name has been passed down through generations since the late 13th century. Although it remains rare as a given name, its association with music through figures like Peter Green may have contributed to increased awareness of the name Fleetwood.
The given statistics present an interesting overview of the number of babies named Fleetwood born in the United States each year from 1902 to 1958.
From 1902 onwards, there was a gradual increase in the number of births registered with the name Fleetwood. The first peak was reached in 1921, with 11 babies named Fleetwood born that year. However, this did not mark the beginning of an enduring trend, as the numbers fluctuated quite significantly over the next few decades.
Between 1902 and 1958, a total of 96 children were given the name Fleetwood at birth in the United States. This number may seem relatively small when compared to more popular names, but it is important to remember that these statistics are based on a specific time period and region.
It is fascinating to observe how the popularity of a particular name can vary over time. While Fleetwood did not achieve widespread popularity during this period, its usage still offers insight into the naming trends and preferences of the era. It serves as a reminder that even names with lower overall numbers can hold significance for those who choose them.