Gaylord is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the language's rich history.
The name Gaylord is derived from the Old English words "ga" meaning "spacious" or "open," and "hlaw" which means "hill." Thus, Gaylord can be interpreted to mean "spacious hill." This name has a strong connection to nature and the outdoors, reflecting its early origins in rural England.
The name Gaylord gained prominence during the Middle Ages in England. It was often used as a given name for boys born into noble families, due to its association with spacious lands and hillsides. Over time, Gaylord became more commonly used among the general population, but it has remained relatively uncommon compared to other names of English origin.
One notable figure associated with the name Gaylord is Gaylord Nelson, an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Wisconsin from 1949 to 1981. He was known for his efforts in promoting environmental conservation and founding Earth Day, which has become an internationally recognized event since its inception in 1970.
In popular culture, the name Gaylord is often associated with characters in literature and film. For instance, it is the name of a wealthy businessman in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," and also appears as a character in various episodes of the animated television series "The Simpsons."
Today, Gaylord remains an uncommon but distinctive given name for boys. Its unique origin and historical significance make it a compelling choice for parents seeking a meaningful and memorable name for their child. While its meaning is not directly linked to joy or happiness (as might be inferred from its similarity to the word "jolly"), the name Gaylord carries a strong sense of history, nature, and noble lineage that sets it apart from other names with similar meanings.
Based on the provided statistics, we can analyze the trend of the name Gaylord in the United States from 1882 to 1998.
The earliest year with available data is 1882, with a total of 5 births. The popularity of the name Gaylord fluctuated during the late 19th century and early 20th century, with birth numbers ranging from 5 to 21 between 1882 and 1912.
In the following decade (1913-1922), there was a significant increase in Gaylord births. The number of births doubled each year from 59 in 1913 to 132 in 1920, reaching its peak with 168 births in 1931. This period marked the pinnacle of popularity for the name Gaylord.
However, after 1931, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Gaylord each year. By 1950, the number of births had fallen below 100 (94), and it continued to decrease throughout the following decades.
From 1960 onwards, the popularity of the name Gaylord dropped significantly. Between 1960 and 1970, there were fewer than 50 births per year on average. In the 1980s, the number of births was below 20 each year, with some years showing only single-digit numbers.
By the late 1990s, the popularity of the name Gaylord had dwindled significantly. Between 1994 and 1998, there were only five births each year.
In total, between 1882 and 1998, there were 6,086 babies named Gaylord born in the United States. Although the name's popularity has waned over time, its history reflects a unique trend in American naming preferences across more than a century.