Rogue is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "rogue," which translates to "trickster" or "deceiver." This term originally referred to a mischievous person who was clever but not necessarily evil.
The name Rogue has a rich history in literature and popular culture. One of the most notable references can be found in the works of the French writer Honoré de Balzac, who used the name for one of his characters in "Père Goriot." This character is described as charming and intelligent but also untrustworthy.
In more recent times, Rogue has been popularized by Marvel Comics through their character Anna Marie (Rogue), a mutant with the ability to absorb the powers, memories, and skills of others she touches. She first appeared in "Ms. Marvel" #8 (1979) and has since become a prominent figure in the X-Men universe.
Today, Rogue is still considered a unique choice for a given name. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate its French origin and distinctive sound, as well as its connection to literature and popular culture. However, it remains relatively uncommon, which helps it maintain its uniqueness.
The name Rogue has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth was in 1937 with 7 instances, followed by another peak in 1950 with also 7 births.
After these initial peaks, the number of births steadily decreased until the late 1970s and early 1980s, when it stabilized around 5 to 7 births per year. This period of moderate popularity lasted for nearly two decades.
In the late 1990s, there was a slight increase in the popularity of the name Rogue, with 6 or 7 births each year from 2005 onwards. However, it was not until 2010 that we saw a significant jump in the number of births, with 14 babies named Rogue that year.
This trend continued into the next decade, with peaks in 2015 (25 births), 2020 (26 births), and most recently in 2021 with an impressive 38 births. The latest data from 2022 shows a slight decrease to 29 births.
Overall, since the late 1970s, the name Rogue has seen a general upward trend in popularity in the United States, reaching its highest point so far in 2021 with 38 births. This data suggests that the name Rogue is now more popular than ever before, though it still remains relatively uncommon compared to many other names.