Hamilton is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Old English word "hamels" which means "homestead" or "settlement". The name was originally given to people who lived near such settlements.
The name Hamilton has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was first used as a surname and was often associated with Scottish clans. One of the most famous Hamiltons is Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury. He was born out of wedlock in the West Indies and eventually immigrated to the United States where he played a crucial role in shaping its early history.
Over time, Hamilton has also become popular as a given name. It has been used by families for generations and continues to be a favored choice today. In fact, it was one of the top 500 most popular boys' names in the United States in recent years.
Overall, Hamilton is a strong and historic name with a rich heritage behind it. Whether used as a surname or given name, it carries a sense of tradition and importance that has endured for centuries.
The name Hamilton experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 6428 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. The highest number of births occurred in 1916 and 1917, with 76 and 78 births respectively, potentially indicating a trend towards giving children popular names during these years or the influence of notable historical events. Conversely, the lowest numbers of births were recorded between the late 1920s and early 1930s, with a minimum of 21 births in 1959, suggesting a decline in popularity for this name during these decades. Since the 1970s, the number of annual births with the name Hamilton has ranged from a low of 26 in 1973 to a high of 98 in 2016, indicating ongoing but relatively stable popularity over recent decades.