The name "Dude" is of American origin and has a unique history behind it. It was popularized in the late 19th century by the cowboy culture of the American West. The term "dude" originally referred to an inexperienced or city-bred person who dressed in fancy, elaborate clothing reminiscent of cowboys but lacked their practical skills.
The exact origin of the word "dude" is uncertain, but it's believed to have come from the British slang "doodle," which meant someone who was fashionably dressed but lacking in substance. The term gained popularity among cowboys as a way to mock these imposter ranchers. Over time, however, the name evolved and became more associated with the laid-back, cool attitude of the West rather than just being a derogatory term.
The use of "Dude" as a given name is quite rare but not unheard of. It's often chosen by parents who want to give their child a unique, attention-grabbing moniker that reflects the independent spirit and nonconformity associated with the Western cowboy culture.
The given statistics show the number of babies named "Dude" born each year in the United States from 1912 to 1929 and again in 1970. The name's popularity appears to have had several peaks during this period, with five births occurring annually between 1912 and 1914, followed by another peak of eight births in 1918. After a brief decline, the name regained some popularity with seven births in 1921. However, it seems that the name's popularity waned again as there were only five births each year from 1929 to 1970. Overall, a total of 45 babies were named "Dude" during this period in the United States.