Cotton is an English given name that has a unique and interesting history behind it. It is derived from the Middle English word "cotun," which means "little tunic" or "shirt." This name was initially used as a nickname for someone who wore cotton clothing, which was quite fashionable during the medieval period in England.
The name Cotton became popular in the United States during the 19th century. It is believed that the first person to bear this name in America was a lawyer from Massachusetts named George Cotton, who was born in 1730. Since then, the name has been passed down through generations and has become more common.
Cotton is also associated with several notable figures throughout history, such as the poet John Cotton, who lived during the 16th century, and the politician Charles Cotton, who served as a member of Parliament in the late 19th century. These individuals helped to further popularize the name and contribute to its enduring appeal.
Today, Cotton remains a relatively uncommon given name, but it continues to be used by parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. Its association with cotton clothing also makes it a fitting choice for those who appreciate simplicity and practicality in life. Overall, Cotton is an intriguing and historic name that has stood the test of time.
The name Cotton has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. It first appeared in the records in 1918 with 5 births that year. The name then fluctuated in popularity, with some years seeing no more than 6 births (such as 1973 and 1990) and others reaching a peak of 31 births in 2015.
Interestingly, the late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed an increase in popularity for the name Cotton. Between 1986 and 1994, there were at least 5 births each year, with a high of 13 births in 1997.
The turn of the century brought another surge in popularity for the name Cotton. From 2004 to 2006, there were at least 13 births each year, reaching a high of 17 births in both 2009 and 2010. This trend continued into the 2010s, with a record-breaking 30 births in 2011.
Since then, the popularity of the name Cotton has remained relatively stable, with at least 10 births each year until 2023. Despite fluctuations over time, the name Cotton has maintained a consistent presence in the United States' birth records, with a total of 488 births recorded from 1918 to 2023.
This data suggests that while Cotton may not be among the most popular names, it has consistently been given to at least some newborns each year for over a century.