Hardin is an unusual and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "heorde", which means "army" or "force". The name has a strong and powerful connotation, reflecting its military origins.
The name Hardin is believed to have been brought to England by the Norman invaders in 1066. It was initially used as a surname, but over time, it evolved into a given name as well. One of the earliest known records of the name is from Yorkshire, England, where it appeared as "Hardein" in the Hundred Rolls, a census taken by King Edward I in 1273.
In medieval times, Hardin was associated with the knightly class and carried a sense of honor, courage, and loyalty. It is said that many families who bore this name were prominent warriors or served in important positions within the royal court.
Over time, the name Hardin has been used in various forms around the world. In France, it appears as "Hardouin", while in Germany, it is known as "Hartmann". The name has also been adopted by other cultures and languages, such as Spanish ("Hardon") and Italian ("Arduino").
Today, Hardin remains a rare but intriguing choice for a given name. It continues to evoke images of strength, bravery, and noble character. While it may not be as popular as some other names, those who bear the name Hardin carry with them a rich history and powerful heritage.
The name Hardin has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with periods of high and low usage.
In the late 19th to early 20th century, there was an average of about 5 births per year with the name Hardin. The highest number during this period was 7 births in 1880 and 1911. However, starting from 1915, we see a significant increase in popularity, reaching a peak of 23 births in 1919.
The 1920s saw a decline in popularity, with the highest number of births being 73 in 1921 and then dropping to as low as 6 in 1929. The trend continued into the 1930s and 1940s, with an average of about 8 births per year.
There was a slight resurgence in popularity during the 1950s, with peaks of 11 births in 1956 and 1957. However, this period ended with another decline, averaging around 5 to 7 births per year until the late 1960s.
The name Hardin saw a minor revival in popularity in the 1970s with peaks of 7 births in 1970 and 1977. However, it remained relatively uncommon throughout most of the latter half of the 20th century, with an average of about 5 to 7 births per year.
In recent years, however, there has been a notable increase in popularity for the name Hardin. In the 2010s, we saw peaks of 8 births in 2013 and 2014, 99 births in 2021, and even 95 births in 2023.
Overall, the total number of births with the name Hardin in the United States since records began is 1164. The recent increases suggest that Hardin may be regaining some popularity among parents choosing names for their children.