Hagen is a name of German origin that has gained popularity in various European countries over the years. It is derived from the Old High German word " Hagen," which means "hawthorn bush" or "hedge." The name Hagen is often associated with the legendary hero Hagen von Tronje, who appears in the medieval German epic poem "The Nibelungenlied."
In Norse mythology, Hagen was a king of the Goths and an ancestor of the famous warrior king Erich. He was also known for his great wisdom and strength. In Germanic lore, the name Hagen was often given to warriors because it symbolized protection and defense, as hawthorn bushes were used to create protective hedges around homes and villages.
The first recorded instance of the name Hagen in history is from a Frankish chronicler named Fredegar, who mentioned a king called Hagenbach in his chronicles. However, it wasn't until the 12th century that the name began to appear more frequently in Germany, particularly among noble families.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Hagen remained popular as a given name and also served as a surname for many German families. Today, Hagen is still widely used in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. It has also gained popularity internationally, with notable bearers including Hagen Kunze, a German-born American musician and songwriter, and Hagen Schulmeyer, an Australian footballer.
In summary, the name Hagen is of German origin, meaning "hawthorn bush" or "hedge." It has historical significance in Germanic lore and mythology, particularly through its association with legendary heroes such as Hagen von Tronje. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a strong and distinctive name for their sons.
The name Hagen has seen a varied number of births over the past three decades in the United States. Starting with five births each in 1990 and 1995, the numbers have fluctuated year by year.
From 1998 onwards, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Hagen, reaching a peak of 23 births in 2015. This was more than double the lowest recorded figure for this period, which was five births in both 1990 and 1995.
Interestingly, despite the fluctuations, there has been an overall upward trend since the late 1990s. The total number of babies named Hagen over these three decades (1990 to 2023) is 232, with a significant rise in recent years, particularly from 2015 onwards.
In terms of annual fluctuations, the highest recorded figure was 23 births in 2015, followed by 19 births in 2019 and 14 births in 2011. The lowest figures were recorded at the start of this period (five births each in 1990 and 1995), indicating a steady increase over time.
This statistical analysis shows that while the name Hagen may not have been extremely popular throughout the decades, it has maintained a consistent presence with noticeable fluctuations year by year. It will be interesting to see how these trends continue in the coming years.