The name Loyal is of English origin and its meaning is "loyal". It is derived from the Old French word "loial", which means "faithful" or "devoted". The name has been in use since the Middle Ages, but it became more popular during the Victorian era when many people were drawn to names with positive virtues.
The name Loyal is often associated with the concept of loyalty and faithfulness. It is a name that implies a strong sense of devotion and commitment. In literature and history, there are several examples of characters named Loyal who embody these qualities. For instance, in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe", the character of Wilfred of Ivanhoe has a loyal squire named Loyal.
The name Loyal has also been used as a given name for both boys and girls, although it is more commonly given to boys. Some famous people with the name Loyal include American basketball player Loyal Wingfield and British cricketer Loyal Mohan.
Overall, the name Loyal is a strong and distinctive choice that carries a powerful meaning behind it. It is a name that has been used for centuries and continues to be popular today due to its positive associations with loyalty and faithfulness.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Loyal in the United States from 1882 to 2023, we can observe several trends over time.
The name Loyal experienced a period of popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. Between 1906 and 1914, there were consistently more than 70 births per year with the name Loyal. The peak of this period occurred in 1914, with 71 births.
However, after this initial surge, the popularity of the name Loyal declined significantly. From 1923 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Loyal was consistently below 100, and often below 50.
It wasn't until the late 1940s that there was another notable increase in the popularity of the name Loyal. Between 1947 and 1952, there were consistently more than 20 births per year with the name Loyal.
After a brief decline in the mid-1950s, the popularity of the name Loyal began to rise again in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Between 1968 and 1975, there were consistently more than 10 births per year with the name Loyal.
Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend for the name Loyal has been one of decline over time. From the peak in 1914 to the most recent data available from 2023, the total number of births with the name Loyal decreased significantly.
However, it is worth noting that there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Loyal in recent years, particularly between 2020 and 2023. This could indicate a renewed interest in the name Loyal among parents in the United States.
Overall, while the name Loyal has experienced periods of popularity throughout history, it is not currently one of the most popular names in the United States. However, its recent increase in popularity may suggest that this trend could change in the future.