The name Trace is of English origin and it means "to follow or pursue a course or path." It comes from the Middle English word "trace," which was used to describe following a trail or mark left behind by someone or something. The name has been used as both a first name and a surname in English-speaking countries for many centuries.
The earliest known use of Trace as a given name is believed to have occurred in England during the 16th century. However, it was not particularly common at that time and remained relatively uncommon throughout much of its history. It was not until the late 20th century that Trace began to gain popularity as a given name.
Today, Trace is considered a somewhat unusual but appealing choice for parents looking for a unique name for their child. While it may not be as popular as some other names, those who do choose Trace for their child are likely drawn to its distinctive sound and meaning.
The name Trace has been a relatively rare choice for parents in the United States over the past few decades. According to the data provided, there were 343 babies named Trace born in total between 1959 and 2014.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the number of births with the name Trace varied quite a bit from year to year. The highest number of births occurred in 1970, with 25 newborns named Trace. However, there were also several years where only 5 or 6 babies were given this name.
The popularity of the name Trace seemed to peak during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a total of 143 births recorded between 1962 and 1976. After that period, the number of Trace births decreased significantly, with only 58 babies named Trace born between 1977 and 2014.
Overall, while Trace may not be one of the most popular baby names in the United States, it has still been chosen by parents for their children over the years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in the coming decades.