Worth is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "worth", which means 'value' or 'worthiness'. This name has been in use for centuries, originally as a surname given to individuals who were considered worthy or valuable members of their community.
The name Worth was particularly prevalent during the Middle Ages in England. During this time, it was often used as a nickname for someone who was deemed to be of high moral character or who had performed notable deeds. The name could also have been given to someone who owned property or land that was considered valuable.
In some cases, Worth may have been used as an occupational surname for individuals involved in the trade of precious metals or gemstones, as these were considered highly valuable items. This connection is supported by the fact that there are recorded instances of people with the surname Worth being goldsmiths or jewelers.
The name Worth has also appeared in literature and history throughout the centuries. In Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing", the character of Dogberry refers to a constable named Seacoal as "a worthy officer". This usage suggests that the term 'worthy' was indeed associated with ideas of value, worthiness, and respectability during this period.
Today, Worth is still a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used by families who wish to give their child a unique and meaningful moniker. Despite its historical association with the concept of 'value', the name Worth does not have any specific religious or spiritual significance. Instead, it is simply a secular name that has been chosen for its appealing sound and positive connotations.
In summary, Worth is an English name with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally used as a nickname or occupational surname, this name has evolved over time to become a distinctive given name in its own right. With its positive associations of value, worthiness, and respectability, it's easy to see why families continue to choose Worth for their children today.
Based on the annual statistics for the given name Worth in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns:
* The name Worth experienced its peak popularity during the early 20th century. Between 1912 and 1924, there were at least 35 births each year, with a high of 67 births in 1918.
* From the late 1920s to the mid-1960s, the number of annual births with the name Worth fluctuated between 5 and 40. However, this period also saw a general decline in popularity, with fewer than 20 births per year after 1938.
* The popularity of the name Worth reached its lowest point in recent history in 1969, with only 5 births recorded that year.
* Since the late 1970s, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Worth. Between 1980 and 2023, there were at least 5 births each year, with several years seeing double-digit numbers of births:
+ 10 or more births: 1986 (11), 2009 (11), 2011 (10), 2012 (10), 2016 (13), 2021 (18), and 2023 (19)
* In total, there have been 2167 births with the name Worth in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
While these statistics show that the name Worth has not been consistently popular throughout history, its recent resurgence indicates that it may be experiencing a renewed interest among parents in the United States.