Lexington, of Latin origin, is a unisex given name that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Derived from the Latin word 'lex', meaning 'law', and combined with '-ton', which is an Anglo-Saxon suffix meaning 'town', Lexington translates to 'town of laws'. This unique name is often associated with the city of Lexington in Kentucky, USA, known for its historical significance during the American Revolution. However, its usage as a given name predates this association.
Lexington is typically used as a boy's name but has also been used occasionally for girls. It has gained prominence due to its strong and distinctive sound, making it a popular choice among parents looking for unique yet substantial names for their children. In the United States, Lexington first appeared in the Social Security Administration's baby names data in 1980, with its usage steadily increasing since then.
Notable individuals named Lexington include Lexington Thomas, an American football player, and Lexington King, a Canadian ice hockey player. This further contributes to the name's recognition and popularity.
In terms of nicknames and variations, Lexington can be shortened to Lex or Lexi for both boys and girls. Its female counterpart, Alex, is also sometimes used as a nickname for Lexington when given to a girl. However, these variations are less common than the full form of the name.
Overall, Lexington is a compelling choice for parents seeking a strong, distinctive, and meaningful name for their child. With its Latin origins, historical associations, and growing popularity, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Between 1987 and 2023, the name Lexington saw a significant increase in popularity among newborns, with the total number of births reaching 978. While there were fewer than 10 births each year from 1987 to 1996, the numbers began to rise in 1997 and continued to grow steadily throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. The most notable spike occurred around 2014 onwards, with Lexington being chosen for over 30 births each year since then. In recent years, it has become one of the more popular boy's names, reaching a peak of 91 births in 2020 before slightly declining to 78 and 52 births in 2018-2022 respectively.