Falcon is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. It is derived from the Old French word "falcun," which means "falcon." The falcon is a bird of prey known for its speed, agility, and grace, making it a popular symbol in heraldry and culture.
The name Falcon first appeared as a given name in England during the Middle Ages. It was often used as a surname before becoming more common as a first name in the late 20th century. Today, Falcon is considered an alternative to traditional boys' names like Falconer or Falconbridge, which also have avian origins.
One notable figure with the name Falcon is American author and poet Anne Sexton, who was born Ann Gray Harvey but changed her name to Anne Falcon Sexton in adulthood. She is known for her confessional poetry, which often explored themes of mental illness and personal identity.
Despite its historical use as a given name, Falcon remains relatively uncommon today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never appeared among the top 1000 most popular boys' names or girls' names in the United States. This rarity can make the name feel unique and distinctive for those who choose to bear it.
In summary, Falcon is an English name with avian origins that has been used as both a given name and surname throughout history. While not widely popular today, its meaning and symbolism continue to appeal to some parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Falcon has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past few decades, with only occasional occurrences each year. Between 1993 and 2016, there were a total of 23 babies named Falcon, with no more than seven births in any single year.
The highest number of Falcons born was in the most recent year available in this dataset, which is 2016, with seven newborns sharing this distinctive name. This figure suggests that the name may be gaining some popularity among American parents, although it remains far from common. In comparison, there were six births recorded for Falcon in 1993 and five births in both 2001 and 2002.
Overall, the statistics show that while the name Falcon is not yet widely used, it has seen some variation in its popularity over time. Parents who choose this name may be drawn to its uniqueness and potentially symbolic connotations, as it is rarely heard and has a distinct sound.