Lathan is a unique and distinctive male given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh word "Llathen," which means "gray" or "grey." The name Lathan is believed to have been popular among the early Celtic people who inhabited Wales, and it has been passed down through generations.
The exact history of the name Lathan is not well documented, but it is thought to have originated as a personal name or family surname. Some sources suggest that the name may have been used by members of Welsh nobility or aristocracy, although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
In recent years, the name Lathan has gained popularity outside of Wales, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia. While it is still a relatively uncommon name, it has begun to appear more frequently on birth certificates and baby naming websites.
Overall, the name Lathan is associated with Welsh heritage and ancient Celtic culture. Its meaning, "gray" or "grey," may evoke images of stormy skies, wise owls, or silver-haired elders. However, despite its somewhat somber-sounding meaning, the name Lathan has a certain uniqueness and charm that makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their son.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Lathan has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From the early 20th century up until the 1950s, there were fewer than 15 births with the name Lathan per year, with some years seeing as few as five births.
However, starting from the late 1960s, there was a noticeable rise in the number of babies named Lathan. Between 1974 and 1982, the annual births ranged from 15 to 22, showing that this name started to gain traction among parents.
The trend continued into the 1990s with over 25 births per year between 1990 and 1996. This period marked a substantial increase in popularity for Lathan compared to previous decades.
Entering the 21st century, there was an even more significant surge in the number of babies named Lathan. Between 2000 and 2023, the annual births fluctuated between 59 and 214, with several years exceeding 100 births each year.
In conclusion, while the name Lathan started out relatively uncommon throughout much of the early to mid-20th century, it has since become increasingly popular in recent decades. From around the late 1960s onwards, there was a steady rise in its popularity, with the most significant growth occurring from the year 2000 onwards. As of 2023, the total number of births with the name Lathan in the United States stands at an impressive 4,168.