Lochlan is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic words "loch" meaning "lake" and "lann" meaning " enclosure or church". Therefore, Lochlan translates to "church by the lake".
The name Lochlan has been used in Scotland for centuries, but it gained popularity outside of Scotland only recently. In the past few decades, it has become more popular in English-speaking countries such as England, Ireland, and the United States.
There are no significant historical figures named Lochlan, but it is believed that this name was traditionally given to boys born near bodies of water or who had parents with strong religious beliefs.
Despite its recent popularity, Lochlan remains a relatively uncommon name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only around 50 boys were named Lochlan each year between 2010 and 2019.
In popular culture, there are a few notable characters named Lochlan, including Lochlan MacKenzie from the television show "Heartland" and Lochlan Morris from the television series "New Girl". However, these representations do not appear to have significantly influenced the name's popularity. Instead, it seems that many parents simply appreciate its unique sound and Scottish origins.
In conclusion, Lochlan is a rare but meaningful masculine given name of Scottish origin. Its meaning, "church by the lake", makes it a suitable choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet fitting name for their son.
"Lochlan has been a steadily growing name in the United States over the past decade, with a total of 101 babies being named Lochlan between 2012 and 2023. The name first appeared on the radar in 2012 with 5 births that year. This number nearly doubled by 2013 with 8 births, and remained stable at 8 births in 2014. However, from 2015 onwards, Lochlan's popularity began to rise steadily, reaching a peak of 11 births in 2021. Although there was a slight dip in 2022 with 10 births and 9 births in 2023, the overall trend shows an upward trajectory for this unique name."