Frazier is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Scottish surname Fraser, which is believed to have originated from the Gaelic word "uisge beatha", meaning "water of life". This phrase is also the basis for the term whisky, as the Scotch beverage was traditionally distilled in the Highlands.
The Fraser clan played a significant role in Scottish history, with notable members including Sir Simon Fraser, who accompanied Robert the Bruce to Bannockburn in 1314. The Frasers were also known for their involvement in the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century, supporting Bonnie Prince Charlie's claim to the British throne.
The name Frazier has not been widely used as a given name until recent times, but it has gained some popularity in the United States and Canada. It is often associated with the character Dr. Niles Crane from the television show "Frasier," played by Kelsey Grammer. The show aired from 1993 to 2004 and was a spin-off of the sitcom "Cheers."
Despite its recent rise in popularity, Frazier remains a relatively uncommon name, which may appeal to parents looking for something distinctive for their child. Its Scottish origins and rich history make it an attractive choice for those interested in Celtic culture or family history.
In summary, Frazier is a unique given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Fraser clan's historical significance and association with the phrase "water of life." While not traditionally used as a given name, its recent appearances in popular media have contributed to its growing recognition.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Frazier has experienced varying popularity over time in the United States. The earliest recorded birth year is 1887 with 8 births, indicating that the name was already in use during this period.
From 1887 to 1903, the number of births with the name Frazier fluctuated between 6 and 11 per year. However, there was a notable increase starting from 1904, with 11 births that year, which continued to rise over the next few years, reaching a peak of 40 births in 1919.
The popularity of the name Frazier remained relatively high throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, with an average of around 25-30 births per year. Although there was a slight decrease in the mid-1930s, the number of births rose again during World War II, with peaks of 31 births in 1942 and 37 births in 1943.
The post-war era saw a decline in the popularity of the name Frazier, with fewer than 30 births per year from 1945 onwards. This trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with an average of around 15-20 births per year.
From the 1970s to the early 2000s, the name Frazier remained relatively uncommon, with fewer than 15 births per year. However, there was a brief increase in popularity between 1992 and 1994, with around 17-22 births per year during this period.
More recently, the name Frazier has seen a slight resurgence in popularity, with peaks of 16 births in 2020 and 2023. Overall, since 1887, there have been a total of 2126 births with the name Frazier in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate that while the name Frazier has not been among the most popular choices throughout history, it has maintained a consistent presence and has experienced periods of increased popularity.