Greene is an English surname that is derived from the Middle English word "grene," which means "green." The name was likely given to someone who lived in a green house or near green fields, or perhaps it was a nickname for someone with a green complexion or clothing.
The earliest records of the surname Greene date back to the 13th century in England. It is believed that the name originated from various locations, including Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Sussex. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the world through migration.
Today, Greene is a popular surname throughout the English-speaking world. According to some sources, it is among the top 100 most common surnames in the United States, with notable bearers including actresses Susan Sarandon and Greta Scacchi, as well as American politician Graham Greene.
While Greene is primarily used as a surname, it has also been used as a given name for both boys and girls. In some cases, it may have been chosen as a unisex name because of its meaning "green," which can evoke images of nature, growth, and renewal. Alternatively, parents might choose the name Greene simply because they like the way it sounds or because they have a particular attachment to the color green.
Overall, Greene is a surname with a long history and an interesting etymology, while also being a unique and meaningful given name choice for parents looking for something a bit different.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the first name Greene in the United States from 1882 to 1948. Over this period of 67 years, there were a total of 121 babies named Greene.
The most popular years for the name Greene were between 1913 and 1922, with an average of 7 births per year during that decade. The peak year was 1919, with 9 births. After 1922, the number of births with the name Greene decreased steadily, with only 5 or 6 births each year from 1923 to 1948.
It's interesting to note that there were two periods with no recorded births of children named Greene: between 1907 and 1912, and again after 1948. This could indicate a decline in popularity for the name during those years.
Overall, while the name Greene had some popularity in certain decades, it was not among the most common names during the period covered by these statistics.