The name Cambridge is of English origin and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the name of the city in England known as Cambridge, which was originally called "Granta" or "Grantebrycge". The name means "bridge over the River Granta", with "Cambridge" being an Old English word that refers to a bridge.
The city of Cambridge is located in East Anglia and is famous for its prestigious university, which was founded in 1209. It has since become one of the world's most renowned centers of academic excellence. The name Cambridge itself is believed to have come into use around this time, as students began to flock to the city to study at the newly established university.
The name Cambridge has also been associated with royalty and nobility throughout history. It was the birthplace of Queen Matilda, who later became queen consort of Henry I of England in 1100. Additionally, the Duke of Cambridge is a title held by members of the British royal family, currently occupied by Prince William, son of Prince Charles.
Today, the name Cambridge continues to evoke images of academic excellence and intellectual pursuits. It remains a popular choice for both boys' and girls' names in English-speaking countries around the world. Its association with the prestigious university has given it an air of sophistication and prestige that continues to appeal to parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Cambridge has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2002 and 2023, there have been a total of 80 babies named Cambridge. The year with the highest number of births was 2016, with 11 newborns sharing this name. However, there were also several years where only five babies were given the name Cambridge, including 2002, 2004, 2023 and 2021. The year 2022 had seven births with the name Cambridge. These statistics suggest that while Cambridge is not one of the most popular baby names in the U.S., it has maintained a consistent, albeit low, level of popularity over time.