Success is an unusual yet powerful given name of African American origin. It directly translates to 'achievement' or 'accomplishment', and its meaning is deeply rooted in the concept of triumph over adversity.
The name Success gained prominence during the late 20th century, largely due to the influence of popular culture. In 1975, it was popularized by soul singer James Brown, who named his daughter Success. This unique choice of name reflected Brown's personal philosophy and hope for his child's future, as he believed that success is not just about wealth or fame but also about living a fulfilling life.
However, the roots of this name can be traced back to earlier periods in African American culture and beyond. It is likely that the name Success was inspired by the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of African Americans, which often emphasize perseverance, strength, and overcoming obstacles.
Despite its powerful meaning, Success remains relatively rare as a given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never been among the top 1000 most popular names in the United States since records began in 1879. Yet, this does not diminish its significance or potential for those who bear this unique and inspiring name.
The name Success has been given to babies born in the United States for over a decade and a half now, with the first recorded birth occurring in 2007. Since then, there have been several peaks and valleys in its popularity.
In terms of annual births, the years 2007 and 2008 saw an identical number of Success babies being born, with five each year. Then, after a gap of two years, six babies were named Success in 2010. This was followed by another jump in 2011, with eight newborns bearing this name.
Interestingly, the years 2013 to 2017 saw a return to five births each year. However, since then, there has been an upward trend, with nine babies named Success born in 2020 and seven in both 2022 and 2023.
In total, from 2007 to 2023, there have been 82 recorded births of children named Success in the United States. This shows that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Success has managed to maintain a steady presence among baby names throughout this period.