Ethan is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "eth" which means strong or firm. It was traditionally given to boys who were considered to be of robust character and physical strength.
The name Ethan first appeared in the Bible in the Book of Chronicles as one of King David's warriors. He was known for his courage and valor on the battlefield, further cementing the association of the name with strength and bravery.
In the United States, Ethan has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. It ranked among the top 100 names for boys from the 1980s onwards, peaking at number 35 in 2014 according to Social Security Administration data. Its popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal and strong associations with positivity and resilience.
Today, Ethan is a well-established name in many English-speaking countries around the world. It remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name that carries meaningful significance.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the trends and popularity of the name Ethan in the United States over time:
From 1882 to around 1950, the name Ethan was not very popular, with fewer than 30 births per year. However, starting in the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was a significant increase in popularity, with more than 100 births per year.
The name Ethan reached remarkable heights in popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 1998, it became one of the top 50 most popular names for boys, and by 2002, it had climbed to number 6. The peak was reached in 2007 when Ethan became the second most popular name for newborn boys, with over 21,000 births that year.
However, starting around 2008, the popularity of the name Ethan began to decline. By 2023, it had dropped out of the top 10 names and was ranked number 49 among boys' names in the United States.
Overall, these statistics show that while Ethan has been a popular choice for parents throughout its history, its popularity has varied significantly over time. It reached remarkable heights at the turn of the century but has since declined from its peak.