Thayer is a unique and distinct given name of American origin, derived from the surname of the same spelling. It is believed to have been brought to America by early settlers from England, where it was likely an occupational name for a roofer or thatcher, as 'thacher' was an old English term for a roof tiler.
The name Thayer has a strong and assertive sound, often associated with strength and independence. It is not a particularly common name, which can make it appealing to those seeking a distinctive option for their child's name.
Historically, the name Thayer has been most prevalent in the United States, with the first significant occurrences appearing in the mid-19th century. It has since maintained a relatively steady presence, though it remains outside the top 1000 most popular names in recent years.
Some notable figures who bear the name Thayer include American Civil War general Henry Wager Thayer and American poet and critic George P. Thayer. These individuals demonstrate the varied paths that those named Thayer have taken throughout history.
The name Thayer experienced periods of popularity with multiple births occurring within certain years, particularly between 1946 and 1947, 1961 to 1962, 1976 to 1978, 1984 to 1987, and from 2001 to 2018. However, it appears the name's popularity has been waning since the mid-1980s with fewer than six births per year occurring between 1988 and 2000. Despite this fluctuation in popularity, Thayer has seen a total of seventy-nine children share its name across these years.