General is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is derived from the English word "general," which refers to a high-ranking military officer who holds a rank above that of a colonel but below that of a field marshal.
The name General is believed to have originated as an occupational surname given to families who were related to or worked for prominent military figures. Over time, it became adopted as a given name and has been used occasionally throughout history.
There are no specific historical figures named General, but the name has been borne by notable individuals in various fields. In the arts, there was a jazz musician named General Norman Johnson Jr., who played trombone with James Brown's Famous Flames from 1958 to 1964. In politics, General Butler Lampson was a prominent American politician and businessman during the mid-20th century.
While the name General may not have a deep-rooted historical significance like some other names, its unique and powerful connotation makes it memorable and distinctive. Its militaristic origins give it a strong and authoritative tone, which may appeal to parents looking for a name that carries weight and importance.
Overall, General is an uncommon but intriguing name choice for those seeking something different and distinctive for their child's name.
"This data shows a significant decrease in the number of births named 'General' over time. The peak was in 1917 with 81 births, but by 2023, this had fallen to just 11 births. There are also several years with no recorded births given this name."