Field is an English surname and given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old English word "feld," which means "open country" or "field." The name was initially used as a descriptive term for someone who lived or worked in the countryside.
The use of Field as a given name is relatively modern, with its popularity rising in the United States during the mid-20th century. It has since become a unisex name, although it is more commonly associated with males. Some famous Fields include American actor and musician Woody Harrelson (born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson), whose middle name is Field; and British actress Emma Field, known for her roles in films such as "The Last Kingdom" and "Poldark."
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Field evokes images of nature, open spaces, and rural living. It may also be associated with ideas of growth, fertility, and abundance, given that fields are often used for farming and agriculture.
Overall, Field is a unique and distinct name that celebrates the beauty and bounty of the natural world. Its Germanic roots give it a strong, solid sound, while its association with open spaces lends it a sense of freedom and possibility. As a unisex name, Field also offers parents the flexibility to choose it for either a boy or a girl, depending on their personal preference.
The name Field has seen a varied history of usage over the past century in the United States. The earliest record of its use dates back to 1906 with five newborns being given the name that year. This number remained consistent until 1927, after which there was a gap in usage for nearly a decade.
The name Field experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 1930s and early 1940s, with births occurring annually from 1938 to 1949. However, this period of consistent usage did not translate into significant growth in the number of babies named Field, as only five births were recorded each year.
Interest in the name Field waned again until the early 1980s when it began to see a gradual increase in popularity. Between 1981 and 1984, nine births were recorded in two out of those four years, indicating a notable rise in usage compared to previous decades.
The late 20th century saw another decline in the number of babies named Field, with only five or six births recorded annually between 1997 and 2010. However, the new millennium brought about a renewed interest in the name Field, with 10 births occurring in 2013 alone – more than double the previous year's figure.
Since then, the popularity of the name Field has continued to fluctuate but has generally seen an upward trend. Between 2015 and 2021, there were at least five births each year, with peaks occurring in 2016 (eight births) and again in 2018-2019 (nine births each year). The most recent data from 2021 shows that eight babies were named Field.
In total, over the past century, there have been 135 newborns given the name Field in the United States. Although its popularity has waxed and waned over time, it is clear that the name Field continues to be used today as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children.