Everything about the name MEMPHIS

Meaning, origin, history

Memphis is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the name of the city in Tennessee, which was founded in 1819. The city's name, Memphis, is believed to have been inspired by the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, reflecting the Tennessee city's location on the Mississippi River, similar to its namesake.

The meaning behind the name Memphis varies depending on the source, but it is often associated with the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who was known for unifying Upper and Lower Egypt. In this context, Memphis is interpreted as "established and beautiful" or "harmonious balance," reflecting the unification of the two lands.

The name Memphis gained popularity in the United States following its use by characters in popular culture, such as the character Elvis Presley's friend in the film "Elvis," played by Dan Aykroyd. Additionally, it has been used in various forms of media, including literature and music, further contributing to its recognition and appeal.

In terms of its history as a given name, Memphis is considered quite rare. According to the Social Security Administration, there have only been a few instances where it has appeared on the annual list of most popular baby names in the United States. However, despite its rarity, the name Memphis carries an air of uniqueness and intrigue, drawing inspiration from both ancient Egyptian history and American culture.

In conclusion, the name Memphis is an uncommon yet captivating choice for a given name, rooted in American geography and ancient Egyptian history. Its meanings associated with unification, harmony, and beauty make it a noteworthy option for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.

Popularity of the name MEMPHIS since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Memphis has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to birth statistics, there were only eight births with the name Memphis in both 1916 and 1918. The number of births remained relatively low until the late 1990s, with no more than ten births per year between 1920 and 1997.

However, starting from the year 2000, there was a notable rise in the popularity of the name Memphis. There were 12 births in that year alone, which doubled to 24 births by 2001. The number of births continued to climb steadily throughout the 2000s, reaching 350 in 2008 and 429 in 2009.

The trend has continued into the 2010s and 2020s, with over 600 births per year since 2017. The highest number of births recorded for the name Memphis was in 2021, with a total of 767 newborns sharing the name.

In conclusion, based on these statistics, it is clear that the name Memphis has gained significant popularity over time in the United States, with a substantial increase in usage since the turn of the century.