Truman is a masculine given name of American origin. It was created by author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, for his firstborn son who was born in 1874. The name Truman is derived from the Middle English word "trumain" which means "strong in battle."
The name Truman gained significant popularity after it became associated with the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. Born on May 8, 1884, Harry was named after his uncle Harrison Young Truman but went by his middle initial 'S.' It is believed that his parents wanted to name him after his maternal grandfather Shuffield Truman but were unsure about using such an unusual first name, hence the compromise of using it as a middle name.
After becoming President following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, Harry S. Truman became known simply as "President Truman." However, he was fondly referred to by some as "Give 'em Hell Harry" due to his fiery temper and directness. It is worth noting that although Harry Truman is perhaps the most famous person with this name, he did not actually like it very much.
In conclusion, the name Truman has a unique origin story tied closely to American history. While its popularity may have been influenced by its association with notable figures such as Mark Twain's son and President Harry S. Truman, its meaning remains steadfast: strong in battle. Despite this, those who bear the name today are not defined solely by their historical counterparts but carry on a legacy of individuality and strength.
The name Truman has a unique and interesting history when it comes to its usage as a given name in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, which records birth statistics annually, the name Truman was quite popular during the early to mid-20th century.
In 1904, there were 5 births with the first name Truman recorded across the entire country. This number remained consistent for another decade, as in 1918, there were once again 5 births of babies named Truman. However, it seems that the popularity of the name began to rise slightly during the early 1920s.
In fact, between 1921 and 1925, there was a steady increase in the number of newborn boys being named Truman each year. Specifically, there were 6 births recorded for this name in 1921, which dipped back down to 5 in both 1923 and 1925.
Overall, over these five years (from 1904 to 1925), a total of 26 babies were given the first name Truman at birth. It is important to note that this number represents all births recorded during this time period and may not reflect the true popularity of the name nationally or regionally.
Despite its somewhat limited usage compared to other popular names of the era, the name Truman has a distinct and enduring quality that continues to appeal to parents today. While it may not be as common as some other historic names like John or William, the name Truman carries with it a certain sense of uniqueness and character, making it a popular choice among those seeking a distinctive moniker for their child.