Castor is a name of Latin origin that means "beaver." It is derived from the Latin word "castor," which refers to the beaver animal. The name Castor has been used throughout history and has been associated with various figures in mythology, literature, and history.
In Roman mythology, Castor was one of the two Dioscuri, along with his twin brother Pollux. They were known for their bravery and skill in combat, and were often invoked as protectors by sailors. The constellation Gemini is named after them, with each twin represented by one of its stars.
Castor has also been used as a given name throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was a popular name among the nobility in France, where it was often paired with its counterpart Pollux. Some notable figures bearing the name Castor include Saint Castor of Sens, a martyr from the 4th century who is considered one of the Four Crowned Martyrs; and Castor Pouyer-Quertier, a French mathematician and engineer from the 19th century.
Today, Castor remains a relatively uncommon but unique given name. It has been used in various forms throughout history and across different cultures, making it a versatile choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Castor in the United States from 1998 to 2023. Over this period, there were a total of 352 babies named Castor.
Looking at the data year by year, we can observe some fluctuations:
* The lowest numbers of births occurred between 2003 and 2007, with only 6 to 11 babies named Castor each year.
* Starting in 2009, there was a noticeable increase in popularity for this name. Between 2009 and 2015, the number of births ranged from 13 to 29 each year.
* After a dip in 2017 with only 14 babies named Castor, the numbers rose again between 2018 and 2020, with 22 to 25 babies receiving this name each year.
* In the most recent years available (2021 and 2022), there were 17 births each year with the name Castor. However, there was a decrease in 2023, with only 11 babies named Castor.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Castor has varied over time, it has remained relatively consistent since around 2009. Despite its fluctuations, the name continues to be chosen for newborns across the United States.