Everything about the name MAUD

Meaning, origin, history

Maud is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse word "móðr" which means courage or protection. It was also used as a short form of names such as Matilda or Mahault.

The name Maud has been popular throughout history, notably with two medieval queens named Maud. The first was Maud of Normandy, also known as Maud of Scotland or Saint Margaret of Scotland, who became the queen consort of Malcolm III of Scotland in 1059. She was revered for her piety and kindness towards the poor, and later canonized by the Catholic Church.

The second notable figure named Maud was Maud of Wales, also known as Empress Maud, who ruled England from 1141 to 1148 during a period of civil war called The Anarchy. She was the daughter of King Henry I of England and claimed the throne after his death in 1135.

Despite its historical popularity, Maud is not a particularly common name today. However, it has been used steadily throughout the years and continues to be given to newborn girls by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaningful origin. The name Maud is often associated with courage, strength, and wisdom, reflecting its original meaning and the accomplishments of its historic bearers.

In literature and popular culture, Maud appears in various works such as the novel "Maud" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and more recently in the television series "Game of Thrones" where a character named Maude is introduced in the sixth season. These portrayals may contribute to the name's enduring appeal and help keep it relevant among modern parents.

In summary, Maud is a feminine given name with Germanic origins that means courage or protection. Throughout history, notable figures such as Saint Margaret of Scotland and Empress Maud have carried this name, adding to its rich historical significance. Today, Maud remains an uncommon yet meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique and powerful name for their daughter.

Popularity of the name MAUD since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Maud has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were periods where the name was quite popular, with five births each occurring in the years 1883, 1886, 1889, and 1908. However, it appears that the name's popularity declined thereafter, as no other years in the same century saw more than three births with the name Maud.

Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, the name Maud has remained relatively uncommon compared to many other names. In fact, from 1881 to 1908, there were only a total of 31 babies born who were named Maud in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may have been popular among some families during certain periods, it was never widely adopted across the country as a whole.

In more recent years, the name Maud has not appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States, indicating that its use continues to be limited. However, this does not mean that the name is entirely obsolete - there may still be families who choose to give their daughters the unique and historic name of Maud.