Montgomery is a name of English origin, derived from the ancient Old English words "mons" and "tun", which together mean "mountain settlement". It was originally used as a surname, given to individuals who lived near mountains or were from a place called Montegomerie in Scotland.
The name Montgomery has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The first recorded use of the name is believed to be during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when William the Conqueror brought with him several noblemen named Montgomery.
Over time, the name Montgomery spread throughout Europe and became more common as a given name rather than just a surname. Today, it is still predominantly used in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The name Montgomery has also been associated with notable figures throughout history, including Bernard Law Montgomery, a British Field Marshal who played a significant role in World War II, and Robert Montgomery Bird, an American writer known for his historical dramas.
The name Montgomery experienced fluctuating popularity over the past century and a half, with the most significant increase occurring within the last two decades. From the 1880s to the 1970s, the number of annual births named Montgomery ranged from a low of 5 in several years to a high of 26 in 1973. However, since the late 1970s, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of this name, reaching an all-time high of 210 births in 2023. Over the entire period from 1880 to 2023, a total of 5258 babies were named Montgomery.