Hunter is a given name of English origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The name Hunter means "one who hunts" and is derived from the Old English word "hunta," which referred to someone engaged in hunting or pursuing game.
The use of Hunter as a given name is believed to have originated in Scotland during the Middle Ages, where it was initially used as a surname. Over time, however, it began to be used as a first name for boys. The popularity of Hunter as a given name has risen steadily in English-speaking countries over the past few decades, with its peak occurring in 2013 when it reached the top 50 most popular names for boys in the United States.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the name Hunter. For instance, Hunter S. Thompson was an American journalist and author known for his works such as "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Additionally, Hunter Parrish is an American actor who gained prominence through his role on the television series "Weeds."
In popular culture, Hunter has been used as a character name in various movies, TV shows, books, and video games. Examples include Hunter Pace from the Harry Potter series and Hunter Biden, son of former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Overall, Hunter is a strong and distinctive name that carries a sense of adventure and independence due to its association with hunting and pursuit. Its popularity as a given name has grown significantly in recent years, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their sons.
The name Hunter has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century, particularly in recent decades. According to U.S. birth records, there were only 6 births with the name Hunter in 1902. However, it began gaining traction in the mid-20th century, with 5 births each in 1957 and 1966.
The popularity of the name Hunter started to surge in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1976, there were 11 births, followed by a steady increase: 10 births each year from 1977 to 1979, then 13 births in 1981. The name really took off in the mid-1980s, with 20 births in 1985 and 26 births in 1986.
The trend continued into the 1990s, reaching a significant milestone of over 100 births per year for the first time in 1992 (119 births). This number nearly quadrupled by 1994, with 822 births that year. The popularity of the name Hunter peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with over 700 births annually from 1996 to 2002.
Since then, while the number of births has fluctuated slightly, Hunter remains a popular choice. In 2022, there were 364 births with the name Hunter in the U.S., marking it as one of the most popular names for boys.
In total, according to U.S. birth records from 1902 to 2023, there have been 13,746 births with the name Hunter. This demonstrates a remarkable increase in popularity over time, reflecting changing trends and preferences in baby naming.