Covington is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "covent," which means "convent." The name likely originated from a person who lived near or worked at a convent, as it was common in medieval England for people to be identified by their place of residence or occupation.
The earliest record of the surname Covington is found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it is listed as "Covynton" in Cambridgeshire. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved and varied, with some examples including Covingtion, Coveington, Coverington, and others.
The surname Covington is most commonly associated with the city of Covington, Kentucky, which was named after General Levi J. Covington, a prominent figure in the early history of the state. However, there are many other places around the world that bear the name Covington, including Covington, Louisiana; Covington, Georgia; and Covington, Virginia.
Today, Covington is still a surname that is found primarily in English-speaking countries, with concentrations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is often passed down through generations as a family name, but can also be given as a first name to boys or girls. Overall, Covington is a unique and historic surname with a clear connection to its medieval origins.
The name Covington has seen a fluctuation in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1924, there were 6 babies named Covington, which is the earliest record available. This number remained relatively low until recently.
In 2017, there was a notable increase in the usage of this name, with 7 newborns being named Covington. However, this peak was not sustained as the following year, 2018, saw a slight decrease with only 5 babies being given the name Covington.
Overall, from 1924 to 2018, there have been a total of 18 babies named Covington in the United States. While this name may not be as common as others, it has maintained a steady presence over the years, with some fluctuations in popularity.