Sargent is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the occupational surname Sargent, which itself comes from the Middle French word 'sergent', meaning 'servant' or 'attendant'. The term originally referred to a military officer of lower rank, but it has since evolved to encompass various roles in law enforcement, such as sergeants-at-arms and police sergeants.
The name Sargent first appeared in England during the late Middle Ages. It was brought over by the Normans after their conquest of England in 1066. The popularity of the name has ebbed and flowed throughout history, with its usage peaking in the United States during the early to mid-20th century.
Sargent is not particularly associated with any specific religious or cultural traditions. Rather, it is primarily connected to military and law enforcement contexts due to its occupational origins. It is important to note that while Sargent may have started as an occupational surname, it has since evolved into a given name in its own right, often chosen by parents for its strong and distinctive sound.
In terms of popularity, Sargent has never been among the most common names. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it peaked in usage during the 1940s, with over 2,500 babies named Sargent in that decade alone. However, its usage has since declined significantly, and today it is considered quite rare. Nonetheless, for those who bear this unique name, Sargent stands out as a powerful and memorable choice.
In conclusion, Sargent is an English given name of occupational origin, derived from the Middle French word 'sergent'. While it has historical ties to military and law enforcement contexts, it has evolved into a distinctive and unique name in its own right. Despite its relative rarity today, those who bear the name Sargent carry with them a strong and memorable moniker that stands out from more common names.
Statistics on the Given Name "Sargent" in the United States:
The name Sargent has been given to newborns in the United States for over a century, with the earliest recorded birth occurring in 1913. Here's an overview of its popularity based on annual birth statistics:
* In 1913, there were 5 babies named Sargent.
* The name gained some traction in the early 20th century, with consistent births each year from 1915 to 1946. During this period:
+ The highest peak occurred in 1920 with 9 births.
+ The lowest point was in 1922 and 1939, with only 5 births each year.
* After a slight dip, the name's popularity picked up again in the mid-20th century:
+ There were 9 Sargent babies born in 1942.
+ The decade from 1968 to 1973 saw consistent birth numbers, with 6 newborns named Sargent each year.
* More recently, in 2018, the name was given to another 6 babies.
In total, over the course of these years, there were 115 births registered with the name Sargent in the United States.