Beryl is a unique and captivating name of English origin, derived from the Old French word "beril," which means "ruby." This gemstone was highly prized in ancient times for its vibrant red color and believed to possess mystical properties. The name Beryl thus evokes images of beauty, rarity, and preciousness.
The use of Beryl as a given name is relatively rare but not unknown. In literature, it has been used by notable authors such as D.H. Lawrence and E.M. Forster. Lawrence's character Beryl in his novel "Women in Love" is memorable for her independence and unconventional lifestyle, while Forster's character Bertha Young in "The Machine Stops" plays a crucial role in the story's dystopian setting.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Beryl who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. For instance, Beryl Markham was a pioneering aviator and author who wrote the acclaimed memoir "West with the Night," while Beryl Cook was a British painter famous for her colorful, whimsical paintings of everyday life.
Despite its gemstone origins and historic usage, Beryl remains relatively uncommon as a given name today. Those who bear this name often appreciate its uniqueness and the intrigue it evokes among those who encounter it for the first time. Its association with beauty, rarity, and preciousness makes Beryl an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Beryl has seen a significant decline in popularity over time in the United States.
The name first appeared in the top 1000 names list in 1890 with five births that year. It reached its peak in popularity between 1912 and 1919, with the highest number of births recorded in 1919 at seventy-eight.
However, starting from the 1920s, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Beryl each year. By the late 1930s and early 1940s, the number of annual births with the name dropped below fifty every year. This trend continued into the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, with fewer than ten babies named Beryl each year from 1963 onwards.
The most recent data available shows that there were only five births named Beryl in both 1983 and 1989. This indicates that the name has become quite rare in recent decades.
Despite this decline in popularity, it is fascinating to note that the name Beryl has been present in the United States for over a century, with its highest period of popularity occurring around the early 20th century.