Buchanan is a Scottish surname and given name with an interesting history and meaning. The name is derived from the Gaelic word 'buichan', which means 'small' or 'short'. This likely refers to the height of the original bearer, although it could also be a reference to a small hill or land.
The Buchanan clan is one of the most ancient and noble families in Scotland, tracing its roots back to the 13th century. The clan was founded by an Irish knight named Ailill, who settled in Scotland and became the ancestor of the Buchanans. The clan's lands were originally centered around Loch Lomond, but they expanded over time to include much of southern Scotland.
The Buchanan crest features a red lion rampant on a gold background, symbolizing strength, courage, and nobility. The clan motto is 'Clarior e Tenebris', which means 'Brighter from the Shadows'. This reflects the clan's history of rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most prominent families in Scotland.
Over time, Buchanan has also become a popular given name in Scotland and beyond. While it is still more commonly used as a surname, many parents have chosen it as a first name for their children in recent years. Whether used as a first or last name, Buchanan carries with it a rich history and meaningful symbolism.
Here are some interesting statistics about the given name Buchanan:
Between 1996 and 2023, there were a total of 79 babies born in the United States named Buchanan.
The number of births per year fluctuated over this period. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there were around 5-6 babies named Buchanan each year. However, there was a notable increase in the mid-to-late 2010s, with 8 births in 2015 and peaking at 10 births in both 2020 and 2021.
The most recent data from 2023 shows that there were 6 babies named Buchanan born that year. This is a slight decrease from the previous two years but still higher than the average number of Buchanan births in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Overall, these statistics suggest that while Buchanan has not been one of the most common baby names in the United States over this period, it has seen some fluctuations in popularity, with a notable increase in recent years.