Deacon is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years as a unique and distinctive choice for baby boys. The name is derived from the word "deacon," which refers to an ordained Christian minister who assists a priest or bishop in various duties.
The term "deacon" originated in the early Christian church, with its first known use dating back to the 2nd century AD. It comes from the Greek word "diakonos," which means "servant." In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, deacons are ranked below priests and bishops but above laity.
As a given name, Deacon has been used for centuries in various forms. One early example is Deacon Brodie, a Scottish cabinetmaker who was hanged for theft in 1788. His story inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write the novel "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."
In recent years, the name Deacon has become increasingly popular as a given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was among the top 1000 names for boys every year between 2000 and 2020.
Overall, Deacon is an attractive and distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their son. Its religious origins give it a deep and symbolic meaning, while its English heritage makes it a familiar and approachable option for many families.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Deacon has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
From 1971 to 1986, there were less than 15 births per year with the name Deacon. However, starting from 1987, the number of annual births with this name began to steadily increase. In 1989, there were only 6 births, but by 1999, that number had jumped to 46.
The years 2000 to 2013 saw a remarkable surge in the popularity of the name Deacon, with over 300 births per year each year. The peak was reached in 2013 with 656 births, followed by another high point in 2014 with 734 births.
After 2014, while the popularity of the name Deacon has remained consistently high, it began to decline slightly from its peak years. However, it still ranks among the most popular boys' names in recent years, with over 500 births per year since 2016.
Overall, the statistics indicate a notable rise in the usage of the name Deacon over time, demonstrating that it has become increasingly fashionable for parents in the United States to choose this name for their newborn sons.