Stonewall is an unusual and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Stonewall, which has two possible meanings: "stone wall" or "stone waller," referring to someone who lived near a stone wall or worked as a builder of stone walls.
The name Stonewall was brought into prominence by General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson, a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Born in 1824, Jackson earned his nickname for his tenacious defensive tactics and ability to hold his ground against enemy attacks, much like an unyielding stone wall. His most famous battle occurred at the First Battle of Bull Run (also known as the Battle of Manassas) in 1861, where his brigade successfully repelled repeated Union charges, leading to their nickname "Stonewall Brigade."
The name Stonewall gained further recognition through Jackson's life and legacy after the Civil War. It has since been used as a given name, reflecting the qualities of strength, steadfastness, and courage associated with General Jackson.
In literature, the name Stonewall appears in Mark Twain's novel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," where it is the surname of one of the characters, a drunken man named Duke Ellington Stonewall.
Overall, Stonewall is an uncommon yet powerful given name that carries historical significance and evokes images of strength, resilience, and unyielding determination.
The name Stonewall has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as reflected in these statistics. While it may not have been extremely popular, it has consistently seen some level of usage over the years.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, there were several years where between 5 to 9 babies were given the name Stonewall each year. The highest number during this period was 9 births in both 1880 and 1907.
The name saw a significant increase in popularity around World War I. Between 1912 and 1923, there were over 15 births each year, with the highest being 23 births in 1918. This period of increased usage could potentially be linked to patriotism and nationalism during the war years.
After this peak, the name's popularity declined. Between 1930 and 1971, there were typically fewer than 10 babies named Stonewall each year, with some years seeing as few as 5 births.
However, the name has seen a slight resurgence in recent years. Since 1994, there have been over 6 births each year, with the highest being 7 births in both 2008 and 2013.
In total, according to these statistics, there have been 696 babies named Stonewall in the United States since 1880. While it may not be a common name, its unique sound and historical significance make it an interesting choice for parents looking for something distinctive.