Homer is a classic male given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "hōmēros" which means "host", "village headman", or "guardian". It was the name of several figures in Greek mythology, including Homer, the legendary poet who wrote the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey".
The name Homer has been used throughout history. One of the most notable bearers of this name is Homer Plessy, a French Creole who challenged racial segregation laws in the United States with his famous case, Plessy v. Ferguson, in 1892.
In popular culture, Homer Simpson, the lovable and clumsy father from the animated sitcom "The Simpsons", has made this name more familiar to many people today. However, it is important to note that the character's name was not chosen for its meaning or origin, but rather as a nod to classic literature, reflecting the show's frequent use of satire and parody.
Despite its long history and association with famous figures, Homer remains relatively rare as a given name today. It has been more commonly used as a surname throughout history. Nevertheless, it continues to be seen as a strong, traditional name with a rich historical background.
The given statistics provide insights into the popularity of the name Homer in the United States over several decades, from 1894 to 1965.
In the early years, the number of babies named Homer was relatively low and fluctuating. Between 1894 and 1920, there were between 5 and 17 births each year with the name Homer, with a notable spike in 1924 with 21 births.
The peak popularity for the name Homer appears to have been during the early 1920s. This period saw consistently higher numbers of babies being named Homer compared to other decades included in these statistics.
After the 1920s, there was a decline in the number of babies named Homer each year. From 1930 onwards, the figure rarely exceeded double digits and often fell below that mark. The highest count after this period was in 1958 with 6 births.
Overall, according to these statistics, the name Homer has not been particularly common in the United States over the past century. With a total of 367 births during the specified period, it appears that parents have opted for other names more frequently than Homer.