All about the name
Okie
Male
« Okie is a rare, distinctive American given name coined by William Faulkner in his 1929 novel "The Sound and the Fury," possibly derived from Oklahoma or inspired by Faulkner's experiences with Oklahoma natives. Despite its unique origins, Okie may unintentionally evoke derogatory terms used during the Great Depression era. »
#15591
since 1900
Meaning, origin, history
Okie is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by the famous author William Faulkner in his novel "The Sound and the Fury," published in 1929. In the book, Okie is used as a nickname for one of the characters, Thomas Snopes.
While there is no specific meaning or derivation associated with the name Okie, it has been interpreted by some as a playful or affectionate shortening of names such as Oklahoma or Oklahoma City, reflecting the author's roots in the southern United States. Others suggest that Faulkner might have created the name based on his experiences with the Oklahoma natives and their culture.
Despite its origins, Okie is not a particularly popular given name today. However, it remains an uncommon and memorable choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. It is important to note that this name has been associated with derogatory terms used to refer to individuals from Oklahoma during the Great Depression era, such as "Okie" or "Oke," which could potentially cause unwanted associations.
Overall, Okie is an uncommon yet memorable given name of American origin, created by William Faulkner in his novel "The Sound and the Fury." While there is no specific meaning associated with the name, it has been interpreted as a playful shortening of Oklahoma-related names or a reference to the author's experiences with Oklahoma natives.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Okie since 1880
Total births
124
Total since 1880
Peak year
1932
10 births
in 1967
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years