Independence is a unique and meaningful name of American origin. It is derived from the English word "independence," which refers to freedom from external control or support. The name Independence was popularized during the American Revolution, as it reflected the colonies' desire for independence from British rule.
The earliest known use of the name Independence as a given name was in the late 18th century, following the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is said that some parents chose this name to honor the newfound freedom and sovereignty of their country.
Over time, the name Independence has become more associated with the United States, particularly around Independence Day (July 4th), which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. However, it remains a rare but significant name choice for those who wish to pay tribute to American independence and heritage.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in historical names, including Independence. While still not as common as more traditional names like John or William, Independence continues to be chosen by parents who want their child's name to have a strong and meaningful connection to American history and values.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Independence:
The United States saw five babies named Independence in the year 2001. This number remained consistent over a decade later, with another five babies being given this unique name in 2015.
However, there was a slight increase in popularity between 2015 and 2016, as six newborns were named Independence that year.
In total, across the years 2001 to 2016 inclusive, sixteen babies have been named Independence in the United States. This demonstrates that while not exceptionally common, the name Independence has maintained a steady presence over this period.