The name "Notorious" is of American origin and has a unique history that sets it apart from other names. It is not derived from any particular language or culture but rather from the English word "notorious," which means widely known or famous, often in a bad way.
The name first gained prominence in popular culture through the hip-hop industry. The most notable figure associated with this name is Christopher Wallace, better known by his stage name Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, Wallace was a rapper who rose to fame in the 1990s. His music often addressed issues like poverty, violence, and drug use in inner-city neighborhoods, providing a raw and honest portrayal of life growing up in these areas.
Wallace adopted the stage name Notorious B.I.G., which reflected his desire to stand out in the rap scene and become notorious for his talent and style. Despite his controversial image, Wallace was highly respected in the music industry for his lyricism, storytelling abilities, and flow. His debut album "Ready to Die" (1994) was a critical success and is often regarded as one of the greatest albums in hip-hop history.
After Wallace's tragic death in 1997, the name Notorious B.I.G. became synonymous with his legacy and influence on hip-hop music. His mother, Voletta Wallace, later established The Notorious B.I.G. Foundation to honor her son's memory and promote positive change in underserved communities through education, youth empowerment, and cultural arts programs.
In conclusion, the name "Notorious" has a unique origin story deeply rooted in American popular culture, particularly within the hip-hop industry. While it may evoke controversial or negative connotations due to its association with Notorious B.I.G.'s lifestyle and the struggles he faced growing up, the name ultimately represents his artistic talent, influence on the music world, and the desire for greatness that led him to adopt this moniker.
The given statistics show the annual birth occurrences of the name Notorious in the United States over a span of nearly three decades, from 1995 to 2023.
From 1995 to 2007, there was an average of approximately 6 births per year. The years with the highest number of births during this period were 1995 and 1997, both with 9 births each. The numbers then fluctuated between 5 and 6 births annually from 2007 to 2011.
There was a notable increase in popularity starting in 2021, with a total of 10 births recorded that year. This trend continued into 2023, with 8 births reported so far. Overall, between 1995 and 2023, there have been a total of 69 births registered for the name Notorious in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate a steady, albeit modest, presence of the name Notorious over time, with a recent uptick in its usage as a baby name.