The name Bj is of Scandinavian origin and is a short form of the Old Norse name Bjørn which means "bear". This name has been popular in Scandinavia for centuries and has been used by many notable figures throughout history including the Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen who was known as "Bjørn" to his friends. Despite its historical significance, Bj is not a very common name today and it may be considered unusual or unique depending on cultural and regional differences.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Bj. has seen a varied trend of popularity over the past several decades in the United States.
The name first appeared in the top 5 names given to babies in 1964 with only five births that year. The following year, its popularity grew slightly as it was given to six newborns. There was a notable increase in its popularity between 1970 and 1972, with seven births each year before peaking at fifteen births in 1972.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the name Bj.'s popularity fluctuate significantly. In 1978, it reached its peak with thirty-one births that year alone. However, by 1983, the number of births had dropped to twenty-seven. This trend continued through the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the number of babies named Bj. ranging from fifteen to twenty-six each year.
From the mid-1990s onwards, the popularity of the name Bj. began to decline steadily. Between 1995 and 2006, the number of births ranged between six to twelve annually. There was a brief spike in 2013 with eleven births that year, but since then, the popularity has decreased again, with only five to seven births each year from 2014 to 2021.
In total, over the span of these years, there were 711 babies named Bj. born in the United States. While the name's popularity has waxed and waned over time, it has remained a consistent choice among parents throughout several decades.