Dodger is a unique and distinctive male given name of American origin. It is derived from the word "dodge," which means to evade or avoid something quickly or cleverly. The name Dodger does not have any specific meaning attached to it, but it is often associated with speed, agility, and cleverness due to its origin.
The use of the name Dodger can be traced back to the 19th century in America, where it was popular among the lower classes as a nickname for boys who were known for their quick wit and ability to avoid trouble. The name gained further popularity in the early 20th century through the character Dodger Symes in the popular American comic strip "Little Orphan Annie."
Today, Dodger remains a rare but unique given name choice for parents looking for an uncommon and memorable name for their son. Despite its lack of specific meaning, the name Dodger carries with it a sense of speed, agility, and cleverness that may appeal to parents who want to give their child a name with a bit of personality and edge.
In terms of popularity, Dodger is not currently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names for boys in the United States. However, its use has been consistent over time, with a small but steady number of babies being named Dodger each year. Overall, Dodger remains a distinctive and memorable name choice for parents looking for something different and unique.
The name Dodger has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the past two and a half decades in the United States. Between 1997 and 2023, there were a total of 133 babies named Dodger.
The years with the highest number of births were 2013 and 2014, with 13 and 14 newborns respectively. This could suggest that these years marked a peak in popularity for the name Dodger.
However, it is interesting to note that the popularity has been quite volatile since then, fluctuating between a low of 6 births in 2020 and 2022, and a high of 14 in 2014. This indicates that while there is some demand for the name Dodger, it is not consistently popular year after year.
The most recent data from 2023 also shows a lower number of births (6), suggesting that the popularity of the name might be declining once again.
Overall, while the name Dodger has had its moments of popularity in the United States, it has not been one of the most common names chosen by parents over this period. It remains a unique and distinctive choice for those who do opt for it.