The name Gordon is of Scottish origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name 'Guthormr,' which consists of the elements 'guð' meaning 'god' and 'hjörþr' meaning 'spear.' Therefore, the name Gordon literally translates to 'god spear.'
The name was first brought to Scotland by Viking settlers who migrated there during the medieval period. Over time, it became a popular given name among the Scottish nobility. One of the most notable figures with the name Gordon was Adam Gordon, 2nd Viscount of Kenmore, who fought alongside William Wallace against English rule in the late 13th century.
The name Gordon also has strong associations with the Scottish Highlands and the clan system. The Gordons are one of Scotland's oldest clans, with their own tartan pattern and crest. They were known for being fierce warriors and loyal allies.
Today, Gordon is still a popular given name in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. It has also been used as a surname for generations, often passed down through families as a way to honor ancestors or preserve family history.
In literature, the name Gordon has appeared in several works, most famously in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield." In this story, Mr. Dick Gordon is a kind-hearted but eccentric character who helps David with his writing.
Overall, the name Gordon has a strong and proud history that spans centuries and continents. Its meaning 'god spear' reflects its warrior origins, while its Scottish heritage gives it a sense of tradition and resilience.
The name Gordon has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1912. Over the next ten decades, the popularity of the name fluctuated significantly.
In the early years, from 1912 to 1930, there were periods of high and low births. The highest number of babies named Gordon was born in 1928, with 22 newborns, while the lowest was just 5 births in 1945.
From 1930 onwards, the name's popularity started to decline. There were only single-digit numbers of births per year from 1966 to 2002, with no recorded births at all between 1973 and 1977. However, there was a slight resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with peaks of 14 births in 1992 and 11 births in 2004.
The most recent data shows that the name Gordon continues to be used, albeit sparingly. There were 6 babies named Gordon born in both 2015 and 2018.
In total, over the course of a century, from 1912 to 2018, there have been 1,026 babies named Gordon born in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Gordon has maintained a steady presence among American baby names.