Baldwin is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German words bald meaning "bold" or "brave", and wulf meaning "wolf". The name was first used as a given name in England during the Middle Ages, but it was also used as a surname throughout Europe.
The name Baldwin has been borne by several historical figures, including Baldwin I, King of Jerusalem from 1100 to 1118, who played a significant role in the First Crusade. Other notable Baldwins include Baldwin IV, King of Jerusalem from 1174 to 1185, and Baldwin V, Duke of Flanders from 1195 to 1205.
In literature, the name Baldwin has been used by several authors, including William Makepeace Thackeray in his novel "The History of Henry Esmond" and James Joyce in his novel "Ulysses". The name has also appeared in popular culture, most notably as a character in the television series "Game of Thrones".
Overall, Baldwin is a strong and historic name with a rich history and meaning behind it. It's a unique choice for a boy's name that carries with it a sense of bravery and boldness.
The name Baldwin has seen a varied history of popularity over the years, with a significant peak occurring between 1957 and 1965 where it consistently saw more than 7 births per year, culminating in an all-time high of 13 births in 1965. However, since then, its popularity has fluctuated quite dramatically, ranging from as low as 5 births to as high as 12 births in the years following. Despite these fluctuations, Baldwin still remains a relatively uncommon name, with only 634 total births recorded over this period.