Thorne is a unique and distinctive name of English origin that has a rich history and intriguing meaning. It is derived from the Old English word "þorn" which means "thorn." This name was often given to individuals who had a prickly or thorny nature, or perhaps lived near a thorn bush or tree.
The name Thorne first appeared in the late 12th century in England and was initially used as both a given name and a surname. Over time, it became more commonly associated with males, although there are still some records of women being named Thorne.
One notable figure with the name Thorne is Sir Thorne Christian, an English explorer and adventurer who lived in the late 16th century. Christian was known for his daring expeditions to Africa and South America, and his tales of adventure helped popularize the name Thorne in England during this time.
Today, Thorne continues to be a rare but striking name choice. Its unique sound and meaning make it a memorable option for parents looking for something distinctive for their child. Despite its historical roots, Thorne remains largely untouched by contemporary trends and maintains an air of timelessness and sophistication. Overall, the name Thorne is a compelling choice for those seeking a strong, powerful, and distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful origin.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Thorne has seen a varied pattern of usage over time in the United States.
In the early part of the century, from 1920 to 1965, the name was used relatively infrequently, with fewer than 10 births per year. The highest number during this period was 7 births in both 1920 and 1961.
However, starting in the late 1980s, there was a notable increase in the usage of the name Thorne. From 1987 to 2003, the number of births per year ranged from a low of 11 (in 1991) to a high of 21 (in 2001), with several years exceeding 15 births.
This trend continued into the early 2000s but began to decline again around the mid-2000s. From 2004 to 2016, the number of Thorne births per year ranged from a low of 5 (in 2013) to a high of 14 (in 2006), with most years falling between 7 and 9 births.
More recently, the name has seen another uptick in usage. From 2017 to 2022, there were at least 8 Thorne births each year, with a high of 11 births in both 2014 and 2022.
In total, over the entire period from 1920 to 2023, there have been 448 recorded births with the name Thorne in the United States.