Day is a name of English origin that is derived from the Old English word "dæg," which means "day." The name has been used throughout history to honor the concept of light and new beginnings, making it a popular choice among parents who wish to imbue their children with positivity and optimism.
The use of Day as a given name can be traced back to medieval England, where it was often bestowed upon boys in honor of the feast day of St. David, the patron saint of Wales. In addition, the name has been used as a surname for centuries, indicating descent from an ancestor who worked outdoors or earned a living through agricultural labor.
Today, Day continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. While it is often used as a boy's name, it can also be given to girls, as evidenced by the popularity of celebrities such as model and actress Kate Upton, who was named after her grandfather, Kay Day Upton.
Overall, the name Day carries with it a sense of simplicity and elegance, reflecting its origins in the natural world and its association with new beginnings and light. Whether used as a given name or a surname, Day is a name that holds deep historical significance and continues to be a popular choice among parents today.
Statistics on the name Day in the United States show a varied pattern over the past century. The name first appeared in 1915 with six births that year and again in 1916, indicating that it was already being used at least occasionally during this time period.
The number of births fluctuated throughout the early to mid-20th century, with periods of relative popularity followed by declines. For instance, there were five births in both 1918 and 1920, but then a jump to seven births each year from 1922 to 1925.
From the late 1930s onwards, the number of babies named Day remained relatively consistent, with five births most years (1937, 1940, 1942, 1944, and 1947). There were also periods where the name seemed to gain some traction again, such as when six babies were named Day in both 1954 and 1965.
The late 1960s to early 1980s saw another increase in popularity for this name, with five births each year from 1969 to 1970, followed by seven births in both 1975 and 1977. This trend continued into the late 20th century, with six births in 1995.
More recently, there have been five births named Day each year from 2009 to 2015, before rising again to six births in 2022. Overall, over this entire period, a total of 136 babies were given the name Day in the United States. These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of this name has evolved over time but remained relatively consistent overall.