Homer is a name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient city of Homeros in Asia Minor. It is also associated with the legendary poet Homer, who is traditionally credited as the author of the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," two epic poems that are considered foundational works of Western literature.
The name Homer has been popular throughout history, particularly in English-speaking countries. In the Middle Ages, it was a common given name for boys. During this time, many people were named after characters from the works of Homer, such as Odysseus and Achilles.
In modern times, Homer remains a popular name, although its popularity has varied over time. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name Homer peaked in popularity during the 1920s, when it was ranked among the top 500 names for boys. Since then, its popularity has declined somewhat, but it remains a distinctive and classic choice.
Overall, Homer is a strong and historic name with deep roots in Greek literature and culture. Whether you're drawn to its classical origins or simply appreciate its unique sound, choosing Homer as a given name is sure to make your child stand out.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the name Homer over time in the United States.
From 1880 to around 1914, the number of births with the name Homer fluctuated between approximately 200 and 400 births per year. The highest recorded birth count during this period was 794 births in 1912.
However, starting from around 1915, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Homer, with over 1,000 births recorded in several consecutive years, reaching a peak of 1,680 births in 1918. This marked period of high popularity lasted until approximately 1926.
After this peak, there was a gradual decline in the popularity of the name Homer. Between 1927 and 1953, the number of births with the name Homer fluctuated between around 400 to 800 births per year.
Starting from the mid-1950s, there was a more pronounced decrease in the popularity of the name Homer. From 1955 onwards, the annual birth count with the name Homer was consistently below 400 births per year. This trend continued until around the late 1960s to early 1970s, where it fell below 200 births per year.
From the late 1970s up until recent years (up to 2023), the name Homer has remained relatively uncommon, with annual birth counts consistently below 50 births per year. The lowest recorded birth count for the name Homer was in 2003, with only 9 births.
In conclusion, while the name Homer experienced periods of popularity and high usage in certain decades, overall, its popularity has been gradually decreasing over time in the United States. Despite this decline, there have been fluctuations, and occasionally, there is a slight increase in its usage among newborns.