Hoover is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It does not have a specific meaning associated with it, as it is derived from an occupational surname that was originally given to someone who made hoes or other farm implements. The name Hoover comes from the Middle English word "hoef" which means "hoe."
The history of the name Hoover can be traced back to medieval England where it was used as a nickname for someone who made hoes or other farming tools. Over time, this occupational surname evolved into a given name and became popular in America during the 19th century.
Hoover is perhaps most famously associated with Herbert Clark Hoover, who served as the 31st President of the United States from 1929 to 1933. However, despite its connection to this notable figure, Hoover remains a relatively rare given name even today.
In terms of popularity, Hoover has never been among the most common names in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it peaked in usage during the late 1800s and early 1900s but has since declined significantly. As of 2020, Hoover ranked as the 4,723rd most popular name for boys born that year.
Despite its rarity, Hoover continues to be a notable name with a rich history behind it. Its unique sound and American origins make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.
The name Hoover has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. It first appeared in the records in 1913 with only 5 births that year. This number slowly but steadily increased, reaching a peak of 40 births in 1927.
However, after this high point, there was a significant drop in the number of babies named Hoover. In 1928, the number of births fell to 256, and by 1930, it had dropped even further to 92. This decline continued throughout the 1930s, with only single-digit numbers of births recorded each year.
The name Hoover experienced a brief resurgence in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with numbers ranging from 6 to 19 births per year. However, this did not last long, as the popularity of the name began to decline once again. From 1962 onwards, there were consistently low numbers of babies named Hoover each year, with most years seeing only 5 or fewer births.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over the decades, the name Hoover has a total of 1120 births recorded in the United States since 1913. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has still been chosen by many families as a meaningful and distinctive name for their children.
In recent years, there has been a slight increase in the number of babies named Hoover, with 6 births recorded in 2022. This suggests that the name may be experiencing a small resurgence in popularity once again. Only time will tell whether this trend continues or if the name Hoover will once again fall out of fashion.