Thor is a Norse name of Old Norse origin, meaning "thunder" or "power." It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *Þónr, which refers to the god of thunder in Norse mythology.
The name Thor has been popular among Scandinavian countries for centuries and was traditionally given to boys. In Norse mythology, Thor is one of the most important gods, known for his strength, courage, and ability to control thunder and lightning using his hammer Mjolnir. He is also associated with protection, fertility, and agriculture.
Thor's legend has been passed down through generations in various forms of storytelling, poetry, and art. One of the most famous sources is the 13th-century Icelandic manuscript known as the Prose Edda, which contains a collection of Norse myths and legends.
In recent years, the name Thor has gained popularity worldwide due to its association with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where the character Thor is portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in several movies. Despite this modern pop culture influence, Thor remains deeply rooted in ancient Norse mythology and tradition.
Overall, the name Thor evokes images of power, strength, and thunder, reflecting its rich historical and mythological background.
Thor is a unique and powerful name that has been given to babies in the United States for over a century. Here are some interesting statistics about this distinctive name:
From 1904 to 2023, there have been a total of 4763 births with the name Thor in the United States. The first recorded birth was in 1904, with only 5 babies given this name that year.
The popularity of the name Thor fluctuated over the decades, with periods of high and low occurrence:
* In the early to mid-20th century, the number of births with the name Thor ranged between a low of 6 births in 1940 to a high of 32 births in 1955.
* Starting around the late 1950s, the popularity of the name began to grow steadily. Between 1957 and 1970, there were consistently more than 46 births per year with the name Thor.
* The 1980s marked a slight decline in popularity, with an average of around 45 births per year during this decade.
* However, from the early 1990s onwards, the name Thor began to gain significant traction once again. Between 1992 and 2023, there were over 45 births per year with the name Thor in every single year except for three (1993, 1998, and 2022).
* The most popular year for the name Thor was 2008, with a total of 103 births. This marked a significant increase from previous years and indicated that the name had entered the mainstream.
* Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, it's clear that Thor has consistently been given to babies throughout the decades.
It is fascinating to observe how the popularity of this powerful-sounding name has evolved over time, with periods of growth and decline. Nonetheless, Thor remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents seeking an impactful name for their child.