Porter is a name of English origin that has a rich history and meaning behind it. It is derived from the Old French word "portier," which means "doorkeeper" or "gatekeeper." In medieval times, Porter was often used as an occupational name for those who held this position.
The name Porter has been popular throughout history, with notable bearers including the American poet and short story writer Portable Edgar Allan Poe. Despite its historical significance, Porter is not a particularly common name today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it ranks as the 837th most popular boy's name, making it quite rare compared to more traditional names like John or James.
One interesting aspect of the name Porter is that it has been used for both boys and girls throughout history, although it is more commonly associated with males today. This unisex quality makes Porter a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
Overall, Porter is a name with a strong historical background and a unique meaning that sets it apart from many other names. Its rarity today only adds to its appeal as an unconventional yet meaningful choice for parents seeking something different for their child's name.
The name Porter has been quite popular among parents in the United States over the past century and a half, with its popularity fluctuating throughout different eras.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were periods where the number of births with the name Porter increased significantly. For instance, between 1880 and 1903, the number of babies named Porter ranged from a low of 14 births in 1887 to a high of 131 births in 1916. This demonstrates that while there were years where the name was more popular than others during this timeframe, it remained relatively consistent in its usage.
However, starting around 1920, we see a decline in the number of babies named Porter. The highest year recorded between 1920 and 1970 is 73 births in 1942, which is notably lower than the peaks seen earlier on. This suggests that during these decades, the name Porter was not as popular among parents.
It wasn't until the late 1980s that we begin to see an uptick in babies named Porter again. Between 1986 and 1994, there were consistently more than 25 births per year with this name. This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with numbers peaking at over 600 births in some years.
Interestingly, even though Porter has seen periods of both popularity and decline over time, it remains relatively steady as a given name choice among parents today. From 2016 onwards, there have been between 592 to 749 babies named Porter each year, showing that this name continues to be chosen by families across different generations.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Porter has ebbed and flowed over time in the United States, it remains a notable choice among parents today. Its consistent usage over more than a century speaks to its enduring appeal as a given name.