Marshall is a strong and distinctive name of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'mære' which means 'horse'. It was traditionally used as a surname for someone who worked with horses or had some connection to them.
The first recorded use of Marshall as a given name is believed to be in Scotland during the 17th century. However, it didn't become popular as a first name until much later, especially after the 1960s when it started gaining popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals with the surname Marshall, including several generals and military figures. However, there are no significant historical figures or legends associated specifically with the given name Marshall.
Today, Marshall is considered a classic yet modern-sounding name, often favored for its strong sound and distinctive nature. It has also gained popularity due to its association with the famous whiskey brand "Marshall Whiskey" as well as popular culture references such as the TV show "How I Met Your Mother" where one of the main characters is named Marshall Eriksen.
Despite these associations, Marshall remains a name that stands on its own merits. It's a powerful and memorable choice for parents looking to give their child a unique yet timeless name with a rich history behind it.
The name Marshall has a fascinating history of usage in the United States over the past century. From 1912 to 2022, there have been a total of 1152 births registered with the first name Marshall.
During the early 20th century, the name Marshall experienced periods of fluctuating popularity. In the years between 1912 and 1938, the number of annual births with this name ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 16. However, it was not until the post-World War II era that Marshall began to gain significant traction as a popular baby name.
Between 1949 and 1970, there were consistently around 15 to 25 births per year with the name Marshall. The peak of this period occurred in 1963 when 29 babies were named Marshall. This trend continued into the 1980s, with an average of around 15 births per year.
However, starting from the late 1980s, the popularity of the name Marshall began to decline. Between 1987 and 2003, there were only 5 to 23 births annually with this name. The trend has remained relatively stable in recent years, with around 5 to 10 babies being named Marshall each year since 2004.
Despite the fluctuations in its popularity over time, the name Marshall continues to be a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents in the United States. It is intriguing to observe how the usage of this name has evolved throughout the decades, reflecting perhaps broader societal trends and cultural influences.