Portland is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the name of a city in Maine, United States, which was named after its original settler Captain William Preble's home, Portland, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England.
The name Portland has no specific meaning or association with any particular saint or historical figure. However, it is often associated with the city itself and its maritime history. The Isle of Portland in Dorset, from where many early settlers originated, was named after the Old English words 'port' meaning harbor and 'land' meaning land.
Throughout history, the name Portland has been more commonly used as a surname rather than a given name. It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who lived near a port or worked in one. However, there are some notable individuals with the first name Portland, such as American actress Portland Mason and British musician Portland Leanthe.
In popular culture, the name Portland has been used in various forms of media. It is the title of a song by English rock band The Clash, and it was also the name of a fictional city in the TV series "Portlandia."
While not as common as many other names, Portland remains a unique and memorable choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with an interesting history behind it. Its association with the historic maritime town and its unconventional spelling make it a standout option among unisex given names.
The given statistics show the annual number of babies named Portland born in the United States from 2002 to 2023. Over this period, a total of 86 babies were named Portland.
Between 2002 and 2008, there were only five births each year with the name Portland. This number remained relatively consistent until 2015 when it dipped back down to five births again. However, starting in 2016, we see an upward trend in the popularity of this name.
In 2016, there were seven babies named Portland, followed by eight in 2017 and nine in 2018. This indicates that the name Portland was gaining traction among parents during these years. The trend continued with eleven births in 2020, which is the highest number recorded since 2002.
The most recent data from 2021 shows a further increase, with thirteen babies named Portland born that year. However, this growth appears to have slowed down slightly in recent years, as there were only six births each in 2022 and 2023.
While the number of babies named Portland has varied over time, it's clear from these statistics that this name experienced a period of increased popularity between 2016 and 2021. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in future years.