Roosevelt is a masculine given name of English origin. It means "son of Ros" or "strong power." The name has been popularized by several notable individuals throughout history.
The name Roosevelt first gained prominence in the United States through the prominent political family, the Roosevelts. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the 26th President of the United States, was born into this family and went on to become one of the most influential figures in American politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Theodore's grandfather, Isaac Roosevelt, had originally named his son after himself. However, Theodore's father preferred to call him "Theo" instead of the full name Roosevelt. This preference for the shorter form of the name has persisted among some members of the family ever since.
Despite its association with the Roosevelt political dynasty, the name itself predates their rise to prominence. The surname Roosevelt is believed to have originated in the Netherlands and was brought over by Dutch settlers who migrated to North America during the colonial era. Over time, the name became anglicized and eventually evolved into a given name as well.
Today, Roosevelt continues to be used as a given name for boys, although it is not particularly common. Nevertheless, its association with prominent historical figures has helped to perpetuate its legacy and ensure that it remains familiar to many people around the world.
The name Roosevelt has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with its popularity varying over time. From the earliest record in 1902 with 6 births, it peaked in 1933 with 17 births during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since then, the number of births with this name has fluctuated annually, ranging from as low as 5 births to as high as 14 or more in recent years.
Over the entire period covered by these statistics (from 1902 to 2022), a total of 337 babies were named Roosevelt in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence over time and continues to be chosen for newborns today.
It's interesting to note the resurgence of this name in recent years, with 14 births recorded both in 2016 and 2017, followed by 16 in 2018. This suggests that Roosevelt may be experiencing renewed popularity or that parents are increasingly drawn to classic and historic names.
These statistics provide insight into the enduring appeal of the name Roosevelt across generations of American families, reflecting perhaps a sense of heritage, leadership, or simply personal preference.