Loomis is a unique and uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hlm", which means "helmet". This name was often used as a nickname or occupational surname for someone who worked in armor-making or sold helmets.
The name Loomis has a rich history, dating back to medieval times. In the Domesday Book of 1086, a Norman manuscript that records the details of the Great Survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror, there is a reference to a place called "Holmes" in Buckinghamshire. It is believed that this place name is derived from the Old English word "hlm", suggesting that the name Loomis has been in use for centuries.
Loomis was also the surname of several notable individuals throughout history. One famous Loomis was Abner Loomis, an American politician who served as a US Representative from New York in the mid-19th century. Another prominent figure with the surname Loomis was Samuel Loomis, an American inventor and manufacturer who founded the LoomisArmory Company in the late 19th century.
Today, Loomis remains a rare but distinctive given name, often chosen by parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. It is a name that carries with it a sense of history and tradition, while also being strong and bold, much like its original meaning of "helmet". Despite its rarity, Loomis has been used as a given name in several cultures throughout the world, including England, Scotland, and even as far away as Australia.
The name Loomis is not particularly common in the United States, with a total of only 125 births recorded between the years 1913 and 1947. During this period, there were several peaks and valleys in its popularity.
In the early years, the name Loomis was relatively popular, with ten births recorded in 1914 and eight births each in 1913 and 1931. However, it seems that the name's popularity declined over time, as there were only five births recorded in 1925, 1933, and 1934.
Interestingly, there were two periods during which the number of Loomis births increased slightly: between 1917 and 1919, with six or seven births each year, and again between 1935 and 1941, with eight births in 1935 and six in 1941.
Overall, while the name Loomis may not have been extremely popular during this time period, it did experience some periods of modest popularity. It will be interesting to see if its popularity continues to fluctuate or remains steady in future years.