Sloan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Sluaghadh," which means "raider" or "ravager." It is a traditionally male name, although it has been used as a female name in recent years.
The name Sloan is believed to have been brought to Ireland by Norsemen who settled there during the Viking Age. The name was likely given to children born into families of warriors or chieftains, reflecting the proud and brave nature of these families.
Throughout history, the name Sloan has been associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Sir William Sloan, a Scottish nobleman who served as Lord Provost of Glasgow in the 17th century. Another notable figure is John Sloan, an American painter and printmaker who was a member of the Ashcan School, a group of artists known for their realistic depictions of urban life.
Despite its historic use as a male name, Sloan has become increasingly popular as a female name in recent years. This shift in usage may be due to the name's unique sound and its association with prominent figures such as actresses Sloan Robinson and Sloan Carter.
In conclusion, Sloan is a name of Irish origin that has been associated with strength, bravery, and pride throughout history. While it was once primarily used for males, it has since become popular among females as well, reflecting the ever-changing nature of naming trends.
The name Sloan has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, its usage was relatively low, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1911 to 1936. However, there were some spikes in popularity during this time, such as 13 births in 1915 and 10 births in 1918.
In the mid-20th century, Sloan began to gain more traction, with numbers varying between 5 and 10 births per year from 1947 to 1968. Then, starting in 1969, there was a significant increase in popularity, reaching as high as 34 births in 1989.
The late 20th century saw continued growth in the usage of Sloan. From 1990 onwards, the number of births per year consistently remained above 25, with notable peaks such as 72 births in 2010 and 94 births in 2021.
In total, from 1885 to 2023, there have been 2748 births with the name Sloan recorded in the United States. This data illustrates a name that has experienced periods of both low and high popularity over time but has generally trended upwards since the late 20th century.