Macon is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the surname Macon, which is believed to have originated in Scotland as a nickname for someone who was considered "son of a large or strong man." The name Macon has been used as a given name since at least the mid-20th century, but it remains relatively rare compared to other names.
The meaning of the name Macon is not universally agreed upon, but some sources suggest that it could mean "son of a large or strong man," reflecting its origin as a nickname for someone who was perceived as being large or powerful. Others suggest that it may be derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "mac" meaning "son," combined with the Irish surname O'Connor.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bear the name Macon. One of the most well-known is Robert McCormick Macon (1875-1932), a United States Navy officer and Medal of Honor recipient who served in World War I. Another notable figure is Macon Leary, the protagonist of the novel "The Sweet Hereafter" by Russell Banks, which was adapted into an acclaimed film directed by Atom Egoyan.
Today, Macon continues to be used as a given name, particularly in the United States. It is often chosen for its distinctive sound and unique meaning, as well as its association with notable historical figures. While it may not be as popular as some other names, those who bear the name Macon can take pride in its rich history and distinctiveness.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe a fluctuating trend for babies named Macon born annually in the United States from 1898 to 2023.
The highest peak in popularity occurred in recent years, with 46 births recorded in 2019 and 48 births in 2015. This indicates that the name Macon has seen a resurgence in popularity among parents choosing names for their newborns in the past decade or so.
Prior to this recent upsurge, the name Macon reached notable peaks during the early 20th century. In particular, there were 36 births recorded in 1920 and again in 1921, suggesting that the name was popular among parents at that time.
However, it's important to note that the overall number of babies named Macon remains relatively low compared to other popular names in the United States. In total, from 1898 to 2023, there were 2071 births recorded for the name Macon across all years combined.
These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of a name can vary over time and generations, with trends coming and going as parents choose names that resonate with them for their children.