Eldridge is an English surname and given name with a fascinating history and meaning.
The origins of the name Eldridge can be traced back to medieval England where it was first used as a surname. It is derived from the Old English words "æld" meaning old, and "ric" which means powerful or mighty. Therefore, the name Eldridge translates to "old power" or "ancient strength". This name was likely given to someone who was respected for their wisdom and experience, or perhaps to a person who had fought bravely in battle.
Over time, Eldridge evolved from a surname to a given name. In the 19th century, it became more common as a first name in England and eventually spread to other English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Some notable individuals with the name Eldridge include American politician Thomas B. Eldridge who served in the California State Legislature during the mid-19th century, and English cricketer Frederick Eldridge who played for Kent County Cricket Club in the early 20th century.
While not particularly common today, the name Eldridge remains a distinctive choice with a rich history behind it. It's perfect for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name with deep roots in English history.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends and patterns related to the number of births with the name Eldridge in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
Firstly, let's look at the overall total of births with the name Eldridge during this period. There were a total of 5231 births recorded with this name over these 143 years.
When examining the annual statistics, we can see that there were periods where the name was quite popular and others where it was less so. For instance, from 1894 to 1900, the number of births with the name Eldridge ranged between 7 and 20, indicating a period of relative popularity. However, in subsequent years, this number fluctuated significantly, suggesting that the name's popularity varied greatly over time.
One notable peak in popularity occurred around World War I (1914-1918), with the highest number of births recorded during these years: 84 in 1915, 81 in 1916, and 94 in both 1917 and 1918. This could potentially be due to various factors such as cultural trends or specific historical events influencing naming choices at the time.
However, it is important to note that even during these periods of relative popularity, the number of births with the name Eldridge remained relatively low compared to other popular names in the United States during this period.
After World War I, the popularity of the name Eldridge seemed to decline significantly. The 1920s saw a peak again with 120 births recorded in 1924 and 115 in 1926, but these numbers were not sustained and declined sharply afterwards. From the late 1930s onwards, the name Eldridge became increasingly uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1938 to 2004.
In recent years, however, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of this name, with more than 5 births recorded annually since 2004. This could suggest that Eldridge may be experiencing a renewed popularity among parents choosing names for their children.
Overall, while the name Eldridge has not been particularly common in the United States, its popularity has varied over time, with peaks and valleys indicative of changing trends in naming practices.