Troy is a name of Greek origin, derived from the city of Troy in modern-day Turkey. According to legend, this ancient city was besieged by the Greeks for ten years due to the abduction of Helen, the queen of Sparta, by Prince Paris of Troy. The Trojan War, as it came to be known, was immortalized in Homer's epic poem "The Iliad."
In Greek mythology, Troy was founded by Dardanus, a son of the Titan Zeus and Electra. The city grew prosperous and powerful under King Priam, whose many sons included Paris (also known as Alexander), Helenus, Deiphobus, Troilus, and Hector, one of the most famous warriors in Greek mythology.
The name Troy is believed to mean "from the city of Troy" or simply "Troy." It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages but gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. Today, it is often associated with strength, courage, and ancient history.
In literature and popular culture, Troy has appeared prominently in works such as Shakespeare's "Troilus and Cressida," which tells the story of a love affair between Trojan prince Troilus and Greek princess Cressida during the Trojan War. More recently, it was the title character in the 2004 film "Troy," starring Brad Pitt as Achilles.
Despite its historical associations with conflict and tragedy, the name Troy evokes images of ancient grandeur and heroism. It is a strong and distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Troy has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, the number of births with the name Troy fluctuated between 5 and 19 per year from 1896 to 1923. However, starting from 1924, there was a notable increase in its popularity, reaching as high as 77 births in 1960.
The peak of popularity for the name Troy occurred between the late 1950s and early 1960s, with a significant jump from 29 births in 1956 to 77 births in 1960. This trend continued into the 1960s, with 119 births recorded in 1961.
However, after reaching its peak, the popularity of the name Troy began to decline gradually. From 1970 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Troy fluctuated between 35 and 97. There was another spike in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching as high as 30 births in 1993.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Troy has stabilized at a lower level compared to its peak years. Between 2000 and 2023, there have been between 5 and 11 births per year with the name Troy, indicating that it remains a popular choice for parents but not as widespread as it once was.
In total, over the course of these years, there were 2672 births in the United States with the name Troy. This demonstrates that while its popularity has varied over time, the name Troy continues to be chosen by parents across the country.