Latimer is a unique and distinctively English name with a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Old English word "læte" which means "late", and "mære" meaning "famous". Therefore, Latimer translates to "famous for being late".
The name Latimer has been associated with several notable figures in English history. One of the most famous is Hugh Latimer, a bishop who was martyred during the reign of Queen Mary I in the 16th century. He was known for his fiery sermons and his refusal to conform to Roman Catholic practices, which ultimately led to his execution.
Another notable figure with the surname Latimer was Frances Coke (née Latimer), a prominent English politician in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. She was the wife of Sir Edward Coke, the famous jurist and politician.
Despite its historical significance, Latimer is not particularly common as a given name today. However, it remains an intriguing and unique choice for parents looking for something different for their child. Its meaning adds an element of humor and originality to the name, making it stand out from more traditional choices like John or William.
In summary, Latimer is an English name with a fascinating history behind it. While it may not be as popular as some other names today, its unique origin and association with notable historical figures make it a compelling choice for those who want their child's name to have meaning and character.
Statistics on the given name Latimer show a fluctuating trend over time in the United States.
In the early 20th century, specifically in the year 1918, there were 7 recorded births with the name Latimer. This number decreased to 5 in 1961, indicating a decrease in popularity for this name during that period.
However, there was a slight increase in popularity during the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century. In both 1972 and 2006, there were 6 births each year with the name Latimer. This indicates that the name experienced a resurgence in popularity during these years.
More recently, the popularity has decreased again, with only 5 births recorded in 2009.
In total, over this period of time (from 1918 to 2009), there were 29 births with the name Latimer in the United States.