Hope is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years due to its positive and inspiring meaning. The name Hope derives from the Old English word 'hopian', which means "to hope". It has also been associated with the Middle English word 'hope', meaning "desire" or "expectation".
The use of the name Hope dates back to medieval times, where it was used as a given name for girls. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that it began to be more commonly used as a first name. Today, Hope is considered a unisex name, although it is still more frequently given to girls.
In literature and popular culture, there are several references to the name Hope. One notable example is Hope Sanderson, the protagonist in L.M. Montgomery's novel "Anne of Avonlea". Additionally, the name has been used by several public figures, such as Hope Solo, a former American soccer player, and Hope Hicks, a communications professional who served in the Trump administration.
Overall, the name Hope is associated with positivity, optimism, and faith in the future. It is a name that inspires hope and encouragement, making it a popular choice for parents looking for meaningful names for their children. Despite its recent popularity, however, the name Hope has a long history and deep roots in English culture and language.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Hope experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the number of annual births with the name Hope was relatively low, ranging from 6 to 26 births per year. However, starting around 1946, there was a notable increase in the use of the name Hope, with over 300 births occurring annually.
The peak popularity for the name Hope occurred between 1995 and 2002, during which time there were consistently over 1,000 births per year. The highest number of births recorded was 2,321 in the year 2000. After 2002, the popularity of the name Hope began to decline, with the annual number of births falling below 1,500 by 2007.
In recent years (2016-2023), the name Hope has seen a resurgence in popularity, with around 1,000-1,500 births occurring annually. The total number of births with the name Hope from 1880 to 2023 is 95,314.