Angus is a Scottish male given name, derived from the Gaelic word "Aonghas." This name has a long and rich history in Scotland, with its roots dating back to ancient times.
The name Angus is believed to have originated from the Irish name "Óenghus," which was borne by several early Irish saints. One of the most famous saints associated with this name was Saint Aengus of Clogher, who lived in the 5th century and was known for his learning and piety.
In Scotland, the name Angus became popular among the Scottish nobility during the Middle Ages. Many powerful clans bore this name, including Clan Donnachaidh, also known as Clan Robertson, whose chiefs were titled Earls of Angus. The most famous member of this clan was John Graham of Claverhouse, better known by his nickname "Bonnie Dundee," who played a significant role in the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century.
The name Angus has also been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Angus McAskill, a Scottish giant who lived in the early 19th century and was known for his incredible height and strength. Another famous Angus was Angus Buchanan, a Highland soldier who fought in the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
In recent times, the name Angus has gained popularity as a given name for boys around the world. It is often associated with Scottish culture and heritage, but it has also become popular among non-Scottish families who appreciate its strong and distinctive sound.
Overall, the name Angus is a powerful and historic moniker that embodies the spirit of Scotland's rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Its ancient roots and long association with prominent figures have helped to cement its place as one of Scotland's most beloved and enduring names.
The name Angus has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 6622 births registered with the name Angus.
The earliest records show that Angus was quite popular in the late 19th century, with an average of around 15 births per year between 1880 and 1890. The peak of this period was reached in 1894, with 24 births recorded. However, the popularity of the name started to decline after that, reaching a low point in 1908 with only 7 births registered.
The first half of the 20th century saw a slow but steady rise in the popularity of the name Angus. The highest number of births during this period was recorded in 1926, with 88 babies named Angus. However, the overall trend showed a decline, and by the end of the 1950s, fewer than 40 Angus-born babies were being registered each year.
The late 20th century witnessed a significant resurgence in the popularity of the name Angus. Starting from the early 1980s, the number of births increased steadily, reaching an all-time high in 2006 with a total of 126 babies named Angus. This trend continued into the early 21st century, with the popularity of the name peaking between 2001 and 2014.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Angus has stabilized around an average of around 80 births per year. In 2023, there were 77 babies named Angus, indicating that the name remains a popular choice for parents in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the cyclical nature of baby naming trends and the enduring appeal of the name Angus over time. Despite fluctuations in popularity, Angus has remained a consistent presence among American baby names since the late 19th century.