Warren is an English given name of Old English origin, meaning "guardian" or "protector." It was initially used as a surname, derived from the Middle English 'warren,' which referred to a game preserve or an area enclosed for hunting and raising game. Over time, Warren evolved into a popular first name in the United States, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In literature, Warren has been used as a character name in several notable works. One of the most famous examples is Warren Hardy, the protagonist of William Faulkner's short story "That Evening Sun," published in 1934. Additionally, Warren Schmidt is the main character in Don Roff's novel "Holes" and the subsequent Disney film adaptation.
Some well-known individuals with the first name Warren include:
* Warren G. Harding (1865-1923), the 29th President of the United States.
* Warren Beatty (born 1937), an American actor, director, producer, and writer.
* Warren Buffett (born 1930), an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist.
* Warren Moon (born 1956), a former Canadian football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL).
The name Warren has also been used as a middle name by some notable figures, such as:
* Warren Christopher (1925-2011), an American lawyer and diplomat who served as U.S. Secretary of State from 1993 to 1997.
* Warren E. Burger (1907-1995), an American jurist who served as the 15th Chief Justice of the United States from 1969 to 1986.
The name Warren has a strong and assertive sound, reflecting its original meaning as a guardian or protector. It has been popular among English-speaking countries for many years and continues to be used today, although its usage has somewhat decreased in recent decades.
The name Warren experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with peaks and valleys that seem to follow no clear pattern. The highest number of births occurred in 1925 and 1928 with 28 births each, while the lowest was recorded in 1902, 1936, and several other years with only 5 births each. Overall, there were a total of 952 births with this name since 1902.