Ethan is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "eth" which means strong or firm. It was traditionally given to boys who were considered to be of robust character and physical strength.
The name Ethan first appeared in the Bible in the Book of Chronicles as one of King David's warriors. He was known for his courage and valor on the battlefield, further cementing the association of the name with strength and bravery.
In the United States, Ethan has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. It ranked among the top 100 names for boys from the 1980s onwards, peaking at number 35 in 2014 according to Social Security Administration data. Its popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal and strong associations with positivity and resilience.
Today, Ethan is a well-established name in many English-speaking countries around the world. It remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name that carries meaningful significance.
The name Ethan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 7 births with the name Ethan in 1882, but this number steadily increased over time.
From 1950 onwards, the number of babies named Ethan began to rise significantly. In 1950, there were 26 births with the name Ethan, and by 1952, this number had more than doubled to 52 births. This upward trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with the highest recorded number of births for the name Ethan in the 1880s being just 33 in 1939.
In 1972, there were 513 births with the name Ethan, marking a significant shift in popularity. By 1980, this number had risen to 705 births, and it continued to increase throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The turn of the century saw an even greater surge in the popularity of the name Ethan. In 2000, there were 15,225 births with the name Ethan, making it one of the most popular names for boys that year. This popularity continued into the new millennium, with over 20,000 births recorded each year from 2002 to 2007.
However, since 2008, there has been a steady decline in the number of babies named Ethan in the United States. In 2023, there were only 7,763 births with the name Ethan, marking a significant decrease from the peak popularity of the name just over two decades ago.
Despite this recent decline, the name Ethan remains popular among parents in the United States. It has consistently ranked within the top 100 most popular names for boys since the 1980s and has even reached as high as number 7 on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in recent years.
Overall, the statistics show that the name Ethan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. While its peak popularity may have passed, it remains a beloved and enduring choice for parents looking to name their sons.