Stevenson is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the family name "Stewart". The name Stewart itself comes from the Old English word "stigweard," which means "household guardian" or "warden." Thus, Stevenson means someone who is a warden or guardian, likely referring to an official responsible for guarding and managing a household.
The name has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period. The Stewart clan was one of the most powerful families in Scotland, producing numerous kings, including King Robert II, who was the first Stuart monarch. The Stewarts also played significant roles in Scottish politics and culture throughout history.
Over time, Stevenson became a popular given name as well as a surname. It gained further recognition when famous individuals named Stevenson emerged, such as author Robert Louis Stevenson, known for his classic novels "Treasure Island" and "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde." Today, Stevenson remains a beloved name with a strong connection to Scottish heritage and history.
In terms of its usage today, Stevenson is more commonly found in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the U.S., Stevenson has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years but remains relatively rare, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique name with historical significance.
In summary, Stevenson is an attractive Scottish name with a robust history that carries implications of responsibility and guardianship. Its association with notable figures like Robert Louis Stevenson further adds to its allure as a timeless and meaningful choice for parents considering this name for their child.
The given statistics track the number of births with the name Stevenson in the United States each year from 1912 to 2023. Over this period, there is a noticeable trend: while the name was relatively uncommon throughout much of the first half of the century, it began to gain popularity in the mid-1940s and peaked around the early 1950s.
From 1912 to 1946, the annual number of births with the name Stevenson fluctuated between five and eight. However, starting from 1947, there was a significant increase in popularity, with 14 births that year. This trend continued into the following years, reaching its peak in 1953 with 35 births.
The popularity of the name Stevenson remained high throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, with an average of around 20 births per year. However, it began to decline steadily from the mid-1960s onwards. By the late 1970s, the annual number of births with this name had fallen below ten.
Since the late 1980s, the popularity of the name Stevenson has remained relatively stable, with an average of around 15 births per year. Despite some fluctuations, it appears that the name is no longer in vogue compared to its peak in the mid-20th century. Overall, there have been a total of 1546 births with the name Stevenson in the United States between 1912 and 2023.
These statistics provide valuable insights into the changing trends of naming conventions over time, demonstrating how the popularity of certain names can wax and wane over decades. They also highlight that while some names remain consistently popular over long periods, others may experience peaks and troughs in their popularity.