Selwyn is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. Its derivation comes from the Old English words "seolh" meaning "sun" and "wine" which signifies "sunny meadow". The name Selwyn is therefore associated with radiance, warmth, and light.
The first recorded instance of the name Selwyn was in the 12th century as a surname. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Selwyn started to be used as a given name. One notable figure who popularized this name is Sir Roundell Palmer, 1st Earl of Selborne, who was a British statesman and lawyer. He was born with the surname Palmer but later assumed Selborne as his family name, which eventually became Selwyn.
The name Selwyn has a strong association with learning and academia due to several notable individuals bearing this name in the fields of science and literature. For instance, Sir George Gabriel Stokes, an Irish physicist who formulated Stokes' law for laminar flow, had a brother named Selwyn.
In recent times, Selwyn has been used more frequently as a given name, likely because of its unique sound and English roots. Despite its growing popularity, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names, making it distinctive and memorable.
Overall, Selwyn is an intriguing and historic name that carries with it the warmth and radiance associated with its English origins. Its uncommon usage makes it a standout choice for parents looking for a unique name for their child.
Selwyn is a unique and distinctive name that has seen limited but steady use over the years in the United States. According to the available statistics, there were five babies named Selwyn born in 1924 and another five babies given this name in 1961. This results in a total of ten births with the name Selwyn in the U.S. over these two years.
While Selwyn may not be one of the most popular names in recent times, its use has been consistent throughout history. The fact that it maintained steady usage from 1924 to 1961 indicates that this name has retained a certain level of appeal among parents during these decades.