Armistead is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "earn" which means "eagle," and "stede" which translates to "place." Thus, Armistead literally signifies "place of the eagle."
The name Armistead has a rich history that dates back to medieval England. It was originally used as a surname before evolving into a given name over time. One of the earliest known references to this name is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, an extensive survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. In this document, it appears as "Hernecastell," which later evolved into Armistead.
The use of Armistead as a given name seems to have begun during the Victorian era in England. It was often chosen for its strong and distinctive sound, as well as its association with the noble bird, the eagle. Some notable individuals named Armistead include American Civil War hero George Armistead and English poet William Bright Armistead.
Today, Armistead remains a rare and unusual given name, but it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. Despite its rarity, those with the name Armistead can take pride in their distinctive moniker's rich history and strong meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Armistead has seen a fluctuating but overall declining popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century.
The highest number of births with the name Armistead occurred in the years 1926 and 1924, with nine and seven births respectively. This suggests that there was a brief period of increased interest in the name during these years.
However, the popularity of the name appears to have declined significantly over time. Between 1909 and 1957, the number of births with the name Armistead varied between five and nine, with no consistent upward trend. In fact, there was a notable gap in usage from 1927 to 1957, suggesting that the name may have fallen out of favor during this period.
Despite the decline in popularity, it is noteworthy that there were still five births with the name Armistead in 1957. This indicates that even though the name was not commonly used by this time, there were still some parents who chose it for their children.
Overall, while the name Armistead has seen varying degrees of popularity over the years, its usage appears to have declined significantly since its peak in the mid-20th century. Nonetheless, it remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history behind it.