Fraser is a Scottish surname and given name that has been used by several notable individuals throughout history. The name originates from the Frasers of Lovat, an ancient Highland clan in Scotland. The Fraser family has a long and rich history, dating back to the 13th century.
The name Fraser is derived from the Gaelic word "Fràrach," which means "noble" or "bold." This meaning reflects the proud and brave nature of the Fraser clan, who were known for their courage and valor in battle. The Frasers have a long history of military service, with many members of the clan serving as soldiers, sailors, and officers throughout the centuries.
One of the most famous members of the Fraser clan is Simon Fraser of Lovat, also known as "The Lord of Lovat." He was a Scottish Highland chief who fought against the English during the Jacobite uprising in 1745. Despite being captured by the English and sentenced to death, Fraser refused to betray his clansmen and was eventually executed at age 38.
Another notable member of the Fraser clan is Hugh Fraser, who served as the Chief of the Clan Fraser from 1697 until his death in 1720. He was a prominent figure during the Jacobite uprising and played a significant role in rallying the Highland clans to support Bonnie Prince Charlie's cause.
The Fraser name has also been used by several notable individuals outside of Scotland, including Canadian politician John A. Macdonald, who served as the first Prime Minister of Canada from 1867 until his death in 1891. Another famous Fraser is American actress Frances "Frankie" Fraser, who was a popular pin-up girl during World War II and later became a successful actress and model.
In recent years, the name Fraser has gained popularity as a given name for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name's meaning of "noble" or "bold" continues to appeal to parents looking for strong and meaningful names for their sons.
Overall, the name Fraser is steeped in history and tradition, with a proud heritage that stretches back centuries. Whether used as a surname or given name, Fraser carries with it a sense of bravery, nobility, and strength that has been passed down through generations of Frasers throughout the ages.
Based on the provided statistics, we can analyze the popularity of the name Fraser in the United States over time.
The name Fraser first appeared in the records in 1915 with a total of 5 births that year. The following year, there were also 7 births, indicating a slight increase in popularity. This trend continued in 1917 with another 7 births. However, in 1918, there was a significant jump to 8 births.
The years 1919 and 1920 saw a decrease to 7 births each year before dropping further to 6 births in 1929. After this low point, the popularity of Fraser began to rise again. In 1935, there were 8 births, followed by a peak of 10 births in 1937.
The early 1940s saw a decline with only 5 or 6 births per year until reaching another low point of 5 births each in 1947 and 1948. However, the popularity began to recover in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with 8 births in both 1949 and 1950.
The number of Fraser births fluctuated throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with peaks at 11 births in 1963 and troughs as low as 5 births in certain years. This pattern continued into the 1970s and 1980s.
The most recent data shows a steady increase in the popularity of Fraser since the late 2000s. In 2010, there were 13 births, followed by another peak of 15 births in 2021, indicating that Fraser is currently more popular than it has been in several decades.
Overall, while the name Fraser has had periods of popularity and decline over the past century, its popularity has generally trended upward over time. As of 2023, Fraser remains a relatively uncommon but steadily growing name choice for newborns in the United States.