Lexington is a unique and distinctive name of American origin, derived from the city of Lexington, Kentucky. The city's name itself has two possible etymologies. One theory suggests that it comes from the Latin phrase "Lexingtoniensis," which means "of Lexington." However, this interpretation is considered less likely due to its complexity for a colonial-era naming convention.
The more widely accepted origin of the city name, and thus the given name Lexington, is from the estate known as "Lexington" that belonged to Robert Carter I in colonial Virginia. The name of the estate is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "lex," meaning "law," and the suffix "-ton," which indicates a settlement or town. Therefore, Lexington could be interpreted as "settlement of law."
The name Lexington began to gain popularity as a given name in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is often used for boys but can also be given to girls. While it does not have a specific meaning beyond its etymological origins, some people may associate it with ideas of justice, fairness, or legal prowess due to its connection to the Latin word "lex."
In terms of history, the name Lexington is strongly tied to American history and culture. The city of Lexington, Kentucky, played a significant role in the American Revolution as the site of the first battle between the colonists and British forces on April 19, 1775. This event marked the beginning of the war that would ultimately lead to independence from Britain.
In popular culture, the name Lexington has been used in various forms of media, most notably as a character in the animated television series "The Powerpuff Girls," where it is given to the villainous monkey known as "Mojo Jojo's" sidekick. Additionally, the name has been used in literature and film, such as in the novel "Lexington Glass" by David Rhodes.
Overall, Lexington is a distinctive and historical name with American roots that carries connotations of justice and fairness due to its Latin origins. While it is not one of the most common names, it remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistical data provided, the popularity of the name Lexington in the United States has seen a significant increase over the past three decades.
In the early 1990s, the number of babies named Lexington was relatively low, with only 7 births in 1989 and 5 births in 1991. However, by the late 1990s, there was a notable rise in popularity, reaching double digits for the first time in 1996 with 19 births.
The trend of increased usage continued into the new millennium, with Lexington being given to 24 babies in both 2000 and 2001. The name then experienced another significant boost in popularity between 2002 and 2005, with the number of annual births ranging from a high of 38 in 2002 to a low of 19 in 2005.
From 2006 onwards, Lexington's popularity showed no signs of waning. The name was given to at least 19 babies each year until 2023, with peaks occurring in recent years such as 76 births in 2013 and 83 births in 2014.
Overall, from 1989 to 2023, there have been a total of 1,269 babies named Lexington in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have started out as highly popular, it has since gained significant traction and is now frequently chosen for newborns across the country.