Nixon is a given name of American origin, derived from the English surname Nixon. The surname Nixon is believed to have been brought to America by early English settlers. It is thought to be an occupational name for a maker or seller of nitre or saltpetre, which was used in gunpowder production.
The meaning of Nixon is "nitre worker." Nitre is another term for potassium nitrate, a chemical compound found naturally in deposits and used as an ingredient in gunpowder. Therefore, the name Nixon likely refers to someone who worked with nitre or had some connection to its production or sale.
There are no specific historical figures associated with the name Nixon besides the American president Richard Nixon (1913-1994). However, the name has been used throughout history and can be found in various records and census data from different periods. It is unclear when the name Nixon began to be used as a given name rather than a surname, but it was likely sometime during the late 18th or early 19th century.
Today, Nixon is still a relatively uncommon given name, but it can be found in various cultures and countries around the world. It is typically more popular among English-speaking nations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. According to some sources, Nixon was most popular as a given name during the mid-20th century, with its peak usage occurring sometime between 1940 and 1960.
Overall, Nixon is an interesting and unique given name with a distinct occupational origin and meaning. Its history reflects the importance of gunpowder production and warfare in medieval and early modern Europe, as well as the migration patterns of English settlers to North America. Despite its relatively low usage as a given name today, Nixon continues to be associated with the former American president Richard Nixon and carries with it a certain level of historical significance.
The name Nixon has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years, particularly in the United States. According to annual birth statistics, the number of babies named Nixon has steadily increased from just 6 births in 1917 to a peak of 607 births in 2017.
While there were periods where the popularity fluctuated, such as a decline from 5 births in 1961 to 5 births again in 1973, the trend has overwhelmingly been towards increased usage. This is evident in the stark contrast between the 6 births recorded in 1980 and the 261 births recorded in 2023.
The name Nixon reached a turning point around the mid-1990s, with more than 15 births per year occurring every year since 1996. This indicates that Nixon has become an established choice among parents in the U.S., particularly since the turn of the millennium.
As of 2023, a total of 6897 babies have been named Nixon in the United States since 1917. This number continues to grow each year, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this name for American parents.