Fleet is an unusual and unique given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "fleot," which means "fleet" or "army." The term originally referred to a body of ships, but it can also be used as a surname.
The name Fleet has a long history dating back to at least the 13th century in England. It was often used as a nickname for someone who was swift, clever, or agile, much like the speed and maneuverability of a fleet of ships. Over time, Fleet became established as a given name in its own right.
Today, Fleet is still relatively rare as a first name, but it has been used occasionally throughout history. Some notable individuals with the name include American football player Fleet Walker, who played for the Toledo Blue Stockings in the 1880s, and British cricketer Frank Shuttleworth Fleet, who played for Lancashire County Cricket Club in the early 20th century.
In popular culture, Fleet has been used as a character name in various movies, television shows, and books. For example, there is a character named Fleet in the video game "Final Fantasy XII," and another one in the novel "The Golem and the Jinni" by Helene Wecker.
Overall, while not as well-known or commonly used as many other names, Fleet has an interesting origin story and unique meaning that sets it apart. It may be a good choice for parents looking for an unusual and meaningful name for their child.
The name Fleet has been given to a total of 166 babies in the United States over the years. The years with the highest number of births for this name were 1916, 1923, and 1930, each with 9 or more births. However, it's important to note that Fleet is not a very popular name overall. It has only appeared in the top 1000 baby names list once, in 1920. This means that while there have been some years where Fleet was relatively common, it remains quite rare compared to other names.
It's interesting to observe the fluctuations in popularity of this name over time. For example, after peaking in 1930 with 11 births, there was a significant drop-off, with only 5 or fewer births each year from 1932 to 1946. Then, there was another brief peak in the late 1940s and early 1950s before the name's popularity declined again.
In recent years, Fleet has not been among the most popular names. In fact, it hasn't appeared in the Social Security Administration's annual list of the top 1000 baby names since at least the late 1970s. This suggests that while there may still be occasional births with this name, it is not widely used today.
Despite its relative rarity, Fleet has a certain uniqueness and charm that might appeal to parents looking for an unusual but not completely unheard-of name for their child. It's always fascinating to explore the history and trends of names over time!