Helder is a unique and distinctive male given name of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Portuguese word "helder," which means "clear" or "luminous." This name has been traditionally used in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries to denote someone who is bright, radiant, or full of light.
The name Helder is thought to have originated as a personal name during the Middle Ages in Portugal. It was likely given to boys born with especially fair hair or complexion, as the name suggests clarity and brightness. Alternatively, it may have been bestowed upon children born under favorable circumstances or at times of happiness and prosperity.
Over time, Helder has become quite popular among Portuguese families and has also gained international recognition. Despite its Portuguese origins, variations of the name can be found in other countries such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and even Spain. However, it remains relatively uncommon outside of these regions.
In terms of famous individuals named Helder, one notable figure is José Helder de Oliveira, a Brazilian footballer who played for several prominent teams during his career. Another is Helder Costa, a Portuguese footballer currently playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.
Overall, the name Helder is associated with positivity and light. Its unique sound and Portuguese origins make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their son.
The name Helder has been given to a total of 230 babies born in the United States over the past several decades. The popularity of this name varied year by year, with some years seeing no births at all and others seeing up to 11 births.
From 1970 to 1985, there was an average of about 6 births per year. However, in 1977 and 1978, there were peaks of 11 and 10 births respectively. After a decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the name's popularity rebounded somewhat, with several years seeing between 5 to 9 births each year.
More recently, from 2005 to 2021, there have been several peaks and valleys in the number of births. There were highs of 11 births in 2005 and 9 births in both 2007 and 2014, while other years such as 2018 and 2019 saw only 5 births each.
Overall, while Helder may not be one of the most common names given to babies born in the United States, it has still been chosen by parents for their children over 230 times since 1970.