Boris is a masculine given name of Slavic origin, specifically from the Slavonic languages. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Björn," which means "bear." The name Boris has been used in various Slavic cultures for centuries and has become popular among many European countries.
The name Boris gained significant popularity during the Middle Ages due to its association with several prominent historical figures, including Boris I of Bulgaria (852-889), who was a prince of the First Bulgarian Empire. Another notable figure is Boris Godunov (1552-1605), who served as the Tsar of Russia from 1598 until his death.
Throughout history, the name Boris has been associated with strength and leadership due to its meaning "bear" and the achievements of those who have borne this name. It is still a popular choice among parents today, particularly in countries where Slavic influences are strong or appreciated.
The name Boris has a rich history of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over the years as indicated by the annual birth statistics provided. The name first saw significant use in the early 1900s, with 5 births recorded in 1911. This number increased steadily, reaching a peak of 82 births in 1970.
Interestingly, Boris experienced several periods of heightened popularity throughout the century. In the 1920s and 1930s, the name's usage remained relatively consistent, with an average of around 30 births per year. However, it peaked at 50 births in 1923 and then dipped to a low of 15 births in 1936.
The 1950s and 1960s marked another period of increased usage for Boris. Starting with 19 births in 1951, the number of annual births rose steadily, reaching an all-time high of 82 in 1970. This trend continued into the late 1970s and early 1980s, with average yearly births ranging between 30 to 45.
However, from the mid-1980s onwards, Boris's popularity began to decline significantly. The number of annual births fell to around 20 to 50, with occasional peaks such as the 73 births recorded in 2008 and the 64 births in 2013. More recently, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with 52 births reported in both 2018 and 2019.
In total, over the course of the century from 1911 to 2023, Boris was given to 4,548 newborns in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, Boris remains a unique and distinctive name with a notable presence in American naming history.