Read is an unusual yet captivating name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word 'rede', which means 'counsel' or 'advice'. The name Read was traditionally given to a person who was wise and knowledgeable, often used as an occupational name for a counselor or advisor. Interestingly, it can also be considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly associated with males.
The earliest known record of the name Read dates back to the 13th century in England, where it appears in various forms such as Rade, Rede, and Reed. Over time, the spelling has evolved and stabilized into the current form of 'Read'.
Despite its unconventional nature, the name Read carries a rich history and meaning that sets it apart from more common names. Its unique sound and intriguing origin make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Read in the United States, we can see that it has seen varying levels of popularity over the course of a century.
From 1914 to 1969, the name Read was given to an average of around 5-7 babies per year. The most popular years during this period were 1948 and 1954, with 8 births each year. However, there were also several years with only 5 or 6 births.
From 1970 onwards, the name Read started to become more popular again. There were consistently around 5-7 babies named Read per year from 1975 to 2003. The most notable peak during this period was in 1998, with 10 births.
More recently, between 2006 and 2014, the name Read has seen a slight decline in popularity, with around 5-6 babies named Read each year.
Overall, over the past century, there have been a total of 308 babies named Read born in the United States. This statistic shows that while the name may not have been extremely popular at any given time, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout the years.