Giles is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Aegidius," which means "goat." This name was popular among the Normans who invaded England in the 11th century, bringing with them many continental names.
The name Giles was introduced to England by the Normans and was initially used as a personal name. However, over time it evolved into a surname due to the practice of hereditary surnames becoming more common during the Middle Ages. Today, Giles is still used as both a given name and a surname in English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Giles. One famous example is Saint Giles, a 7th-century Christian hermit from Greece who was known for his charity towards the poor and sick. He is considered the patron saint of lepers and is often depicted as having a pilgrim's staff and a goat accompanying him, reflecting his connection to the Latin word "Aegidius."
In literature, Giles is the name of the main character in H.G. Wells' 1895 science fiction novel "The Invisible Man." This fictional creation has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in English-speaking countries.
Overall, the name Giles has a rich history and unique origin that sets it apart from other names. Its association with Saint Giles gives it a sense of spirituality and benevolence, while its literary connections add an element of intrigue and imagination.
Based on the annual birth statistics for the name Giles in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
From 1880 to around 1920, the number of babies named Giles fluctuated quite a bit. The highest point during this period was in 1912 with 32 births, while the lowest was in 1902 with only 7 births. However, from 1922 onwards, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name, reaching its peak in 1914 with 65 births.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Giles started to decline steadily. By 1930, the number of babies named Giles had dropped below 70 for the first time since 1922. This downward trend continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with only a few brief periods of stability or slight increases.
Starting in the mid-1950s, the name Giles experienced another decline in popularity. From 1956 to 1987, the number of babies named Giles remained below 50 births per year, with some years even falling below 30. The lowest point during this period was in 1965 with only 23 births.
Since the late 1980s, the popularity of the name Giles has continued to fluctuate but has generally stayed at a low level. There have been brief periods of increased popularity, such as in the early 1990s and around 2005, but these have been short-lived. The most recent data from 2022 shows that there were only 11 births for the name Giles in the United States.
In conclusion, while the name Giles was relatively popular during certain periods in U.S. history, its popularity has generally declined over time. Despite some brief periods of increased popularity in recent years, the overall trend is one of decreasing use as a baby name in the United States.