Talmage is an uncommon given name of English origin that has a unique and meaningful history. It comes from the Old English word "talmuth," which means "tongue" or "language." The name was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who was skilled in languages or had a facility for speaking.
The name Talmage is believed to have been first used as a given name by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. The name gained popularity among Mormons after it was used for several prominent figures within the church, including Parley P. Talmage, who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1922 until his death in 1937.
Despite its religious associations, the name Talmage is not exclusively used by Mormons and can be found among people of various faiths and backgrounds. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon name but one that carries with it a unique history and meaning.
In terms of its popularity as a given name, Talmage has never been particularly common in the United States or other English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was not among the top 1000 most popular boy names in any year between 2000 and 2019.
Overall, Talmage is a name that stands out for its unique origin and history. It is a name that carries with it a sense of tradition and significance, while also being uncommon enough to stand out among more common names like John or William. For those looking for a meaningful name with a distinct sound, Talmage may be an excellent choice.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Talmage has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1881 to 1925, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Talmage, with a peak of 52 births in 1922. However, starting from 1930 onwards, the number of births with the name Talmage began to decline sharply.
Throughout the decades, the popularity of the name Talmage has fluctuated considerably. For instance, during the 1940s and 1950s, the number of births decreased significantly, with as few as 7 births in 1960. The trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with an average of less than 10 births per year.
However, there was a slight resurgence in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with peaks of 30 births in 2003. Since then, the number of births has continued to fluctuate but has generally remained below 20 per year.
In total, from 1881 to 2023, there have been 2268 babies named Talmage born in the United States. This name has clearly had its periods of popularity and obscurity throughout history.