Wallis is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "wall," which means "foreign" or "stranger." This name was originally used as a surname, but it has since become popular as a given name for girls.
The name Wallis first became notable when it was associated with Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who married King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom. Despite their controversial relationship, which ultimately led to the king's abdication, the name Wallis became more widely known and used.
In addition to its English origins, the name Wallis has also been adopted by other cultures. In Wales, for example, it is sometimes used as a shortened form of the name Wallace, which means "Welsh" or "stranger from Wales."
The name Wallis is often associated with strength and independence, likely due in part to its association with Wallis Simpson's determination to pursue her relationship with King Edward VIII despite significant obstacles. However, there are no specific historical figures or legends directly tied to the name that would give it a more concrete meaning or symbolism.
Overall, Wallis is a unique and distinctive name with an interesting history and multiple interpretations. Its English origins and association with strong women make it a popular choice for parents looking for a name that combines tradition with modern sensibilities.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Wallis in the United States over the past century, we can observe some interesting trends.
The name Wallis first saw a significant number of births in the late 1930s, with 6 births recorded in 1936 and a peak of 33 births in 1937. This suggests that there was a notable preference for this name during this time period. However, it's important to note that this might not reflect the current popularity of the name today.
Throughout the following decades, the number of babies named Wallis remained relatively low, with an average of around 8 births per year between 1940 and 2000. There were brief periods where the number of births increased, such as in the late 1950s (with peaks of 7 births in both 1956 and 1957) and again in the early to mid-1980s (with numbers ranging from 5 to 12 births per year).
However, since around 2010, there has been a noticeable resurgence in popularity for the name Wallis. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of babies named Wallis each year has consistently been between 6 and 20, with peaks in 2015 (14 births) and most recently in 2022 (20 births).
In total, over the course of nearly a century, there have been 554 births recorded for the name Wallis in the United States. While it may not be among the most popular names, these statistics show that Wallis has maintained a steady presence throughout various decades and has seen periods of increased popularity.
It's fascinating to observe how naming trends can shift over time, with certain names like Wallis experiencing periods of popularity followed by decreased usage, only to see renewed interest many years later. This data also serves as an interesting snapshot of the historical context in which these babies were named, reflecting the societal influences and preferences of each era.
Sources:
- Social Security Administration's Popular Baby Names database: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/