Hamish is a Scottish masculine given name derived from the Gaelic name "Aindreas," which means "man of strength" or "strong man." The name was popularized by Sir Harry Lauder, a Scottish entertainer who used Hamish as his stage name in the early 20th century. Before this, the name was quite rare and only used within certain Highland families.
The earliest known use of the name Hamish can be traced back to the late 17th century in Scotland. However, it is believed that the name has been used for centuries before then, but its usage was not widely documented due to its rarity. Despite its Scottish origin, the name Hamish has gained popularity worldwide and is now found in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In recent times, Hamish has become a popular choice among parents who wish to give their children unique, yet meaningful names with strong historical significance. The name's association with strength and manliness makes it an appealing option for many families seeking a powerful and distinctive name for their sons.
The name Hamish has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, with a total of 333 births recorded between 1981 and 2023.
In the early years, the name was relatively uncommon, with only five births reported in both 1981 and 1990. However, by the mid-1990s, its popularity began to rise, with six births recorded in both 1995 and 1998.
The turn of the century marked a significant turning point for Hamish, as it started to gain traction among parents. In the year 2000 alone, there were six births, and this number continued to climb throughout the decade. The year 2002 saw a notable increase with ten births, followed by another peak in 2014 and 2015, each with twenty births.
The recent years have shown a consistent interest in the name Hamish, with double-digit figures recorded annually since 2017. In fact, the name's popularity has continued to grow, reaching an all-time high of 25 births in both 2021 and 2022.
These statistics demonstrate that while Hamish may not have been a household name in the early years, its popularity has steadily risen over time, culminating in significant interest in recent years. This consistent growth indicates that Hamish is a name that continues to resonate with parents across the United States.