Blaine is a name of Scottish origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "blàth" which means "flower." Therefore, Blaine can be interpreted to mean "floral" or "blooming."
The earliest known use of the name Blaine was in Scotland during the 18th century. However, it did not gain significant popularity until the mid-20th century when it began to be used more frequently as a given name for boys.
One notable historical figure named Blaine is James G. Blaine, who served as the United States Secretary of State under Presidents Garfield and Harrison in the late 19th century. He was also a prominent politician and a leader of the Republican Party during that time.
In popular culture, the name Blaine has been used in various forms of media. For example, it is the first name of the main character in Stephen King's horror novel "The Body," which was adapted into the acclaimed film "Stand by Me." Additionally, the name Blaine appears as a character in several television shows and movies.
Today, Blaine continues to be a popular given name for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its unique origin and meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Blaine experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 50 births per year until around 1912. However, starting from 1913, there was a notable increase, reaching triple digits in 1916 (119 births) and peaking at 727 births in 1923. After the peak, the popularity of Blaine declined but remained steady throughout the mid-20th century, with around 250 to 400 births per year.
Starting from the late 1980s, there was another significant surge in the number of girls named Blaine, reaching an all-time high of 617 births in 2001. Since then, however, the popularity has declined once again, with fewer than 500 births per year as of 2023. Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there were a total of 32,649 girls named Blaine born in the United States.