January is a unique and beautiful name of Latin origin. It means "going" or "walking," and is derived from the verb "ianuarius," which refers to January, the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The name January has been used throughout history, but its popularity has varied over time.
The name January was quite common in the Middle Ages, particularly among the nobility. It was often given to boys born in January or with a connection to the month, such as being born on New Year's Day. Some famous historical figures have borne this name, including King January of Brittany, who ruled from 1341 to 1364.
In more recent times, the name January has become less common, but it still appears occasionally in various countries around the world. It is often associated with uniqueness and individuality due to its rare usage.
Overall, the name January is a strong and distinctive choice for both boys and girls, with a rich history and meaningful meaning behind it. Its Latin origins give it a classic and sophisticated feel, making it an excellent option for parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their child.
The name January has been given to a total of 2,149 babies in the United States since 1951, according to available records. The popularity of this name has shown significant fluctuations over time.
In the early years, between 1951 and 1960, the number of births per year for girls named January ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 7 births. However, starting in 1965, we see a notable increase, with 11 births recorded that year.
This trend continued throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, reaching its peak in 1975 with an astonishing 89 babies named January. This was more than double the number of births for this name in any other year prior to this period. The following years also saw high numbers: 204 births in 1976 and 165 births in 1977.
After a brief decline, the popularity of the name January surged again from 1978 onwards, with over 200 births each year until 1980. However, after this point, there was a significant decrease in its usage, dropping to fewer than 60 births per year by 1984.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw further fluctuations in popularity, with numbers ranging from a low of 8 births in 1990 to a high of 23 births in 1988. From the mid-1990s onwards, January's popularity has remained relatively consistent, with between 7 and 25 births per year.
Recently, there has been a slight increase in the usage of this name, with 24 births recorded in 2017 and 20 births each in 2020 and 2021. Despite these recent increases, January remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak popularity in the mid-1970s.
Overall, while the name January has experienced periods of both high and low popularity over time, it has remained a unique choice for parents in the United States throughout the past seven decades.