Glover is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the occupational surname Glover, which refers to someone who makes or deals in gloves. The name has a long history dating back to medieval times when it was used as an occupational name for those who worked with leather and made gloves.
The name Glover is believed to have originated from the Old English word 'glove', which means 'a close-fitting cover for the hand'. Over time, the name has evolved and taken on various spellings such as Glovers, Glouwer, and Glover. Despite its occupational origins, the name Glover is not exclusively used for those in this line of work today.
In many cases, the name Glover is passed down through generations within families and has become a beloved family name. It is also sometimes chosen by parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child. While it may not be as common as some other names, Glover has its own unique charm and character that sets it apart.
In terms of popularity, the name Glover has never been particularly widespread. However, it has appeared in various forms throughout history, with notable bearers including American actor Glover (born 1975), who is known for his role as Ryan Atwood on the television series "The O.C." Overall, the name Glover carries a sense of heritage and tradition while also being distinctive and memorable.
The name Glover has been given to a total of 1,114 babies born in the United States over the years. The popularity of the name fluctuated significantly from year to year during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For instance, there were seven births in both 1885 and 1887, followed by a significant drop to five births in 1891.
The name's popularity seemed to peak around World War I, with 30 births recorded in 1915, the highest number on record. This trend continued into the early 1920s, with 27 or more births each year from 1919 to 1924.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline after this period. By the 1930s and 1940s, the number of babies named Glover fell significantly, reaching a low of five births in both 1956 and 1971. This trend continued into the late 20th century and early 21st century, with only seven births recorded in 1990 and five in 2014.
Despite this decline in popularity, Glover remains a unique and historic name that has been given to babies for over a century. It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of names can change over time, reflecting societal trends and cultural shifts.