Ingram is a name of English origin, derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "ing" meaning "famous" or "eminent," and "ham" which signifies "village" or "homestead." The name Ingram thus translates to "eminent settlement" or "famous homestead."
The use of the name Ingram can be traced back to medieval England, where it was often found among the nobility. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Ingram, 1st Baron of Mowbray, who lived in the late 12th century. He was a prominent figure at the court of King Richard I and played a significant role in English politics during that time.
Over the centuries, the name Ingram has been passed down through generations, with notable bearers including Ingram Byron, an English poet and dramatist of the Romantic era, and Ingram micro-founder Gordon Eubanks. Despite its rich history, however, Ingram remains relatively rare today, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
In terms of popularity, Ingram is not currently among the top ranked names in England or the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were only 5 boys named Ingram born in the U.S. in 2019, reflecting its status as a somewhat uncommon choice. Nevertheless, the name's unique origins and historical significance may appeal to parents looking for an alternative to more common names.
Overall, Ingram is a compelling option for those interested in a name with deep roots in English history and a meaningful interpretation. While it may not be the most popular choice today, its rarity can also be seen as an asset, ensuring that any child named Ingram will stand out from the crowd.
The name Ingram has been given to a total of 411 babies born in the United States over the past century and a half. While it was quite popular during the early to mid-20th century, with peaks of popularity between 1916 and 1937, its usage has fluctuated significantly since then.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ingram was a fairly uncommon name. It wasn't until the early 1900s that it started to gain some traction, with 5 babies being named Ingram in 1883. The name continued to be given to around 5-7 babies each year until 1916 when it suddenly became much more popular, with 11 births recorded.
Ingram reached its peak popularity between the years of 1916 and 1924, with a high of 13 births in 1917. After this peak period, however, the name's usage began to decline significantly once again. From 1925 onwards, Ingram was given to fewer than 10 babies each year, with some years seeing as few as 5 births.
This trend continued until the mid-1980s when there was a sudden resurgence in the popularity of the name Ingram. Between 1986 and 1989, there were between 9 and 13 babies named Ingram each year. However, this brief period of renewed popularity did not last long, as the name's usage once again declined throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite its low usage in recent years, however, it is clear that there has been a renewed interest in the name Ingram since around 2007. Between then and now, the number of babies named Ingram each year has varied between 5 and 13, with peaks occurring most recently in 2018 and 2022.
In conclusion, while the name Ingram may not have been particularly popular throughout much of its history, it has nevertheless been a part of the American naming landscape for over a century. Its usage has fluctuated significantly over time, but it remains an uncommon yet distinctive name choice that continues to be given to babies born in the United States today.