The name Rex is of Latin origin and means "king." It is derived from the Latin word "rex," which was used to refer to a monarch or ruler. The name has been in use for centuries, with its earliest recorded usage dating back to ancient Rome.
In medieval times, the name Rex was often given to the eldest son of a king or nobleman, as it signified their status as heir apparent to the throne. This tradition continued throughout the Middle Ages and even into more recent history, with several European monarchs bearing the name Rex or its variants.
Over time, Rex has become a popular given name in many cultures around the world. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and royalty due to its meaning and historical context. Today, it remains a classic choice for parents looking for a timeless and meaningful name for their child.
In terms of popularity, Rex has appeared on and off the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States since records began in 1879. Its peak popularity came during the mid-20th century, when it ranked among the top 500 names for boys between 1940 and 1960.
Overall, Rex is a strong and historic name with a powerful meaning that has stood the test of time. Whether you're drawn to its royal origins or simply appreciate its bold sound, choosing Rex as a name is sure to make a statement.
The name Rex has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States, with some periods showing more popularity than others.
In the early to mid-20th century, the name Rex saw a modest amount of use. Between 1921 and 1959, there were 76 births recorded annually on average, with the highest year being 1961 with 10 births. This indicates that while not extremely common, the name was still given to some children during this time.
However, from 1979 onwards, there is a notable drop in the usage of the name Rex. There were only 12 births recorded between 1979 and 1984, averaging out to just over one birth per year. This suggests that the name began to fall out of favor during this period.
Overall, from 1921 to 1984, there were a total of 141 babies named Rex in the United States. While this is not an extremely high number, it does indicate that the name has had some level of popularity over the years, particularly in the early to mid-20th century.