Astin is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Latin word 'constantia', which means 'steadfastness' or 'constancy'. The name Astin is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and it was initially used as a surname.
Throughout history, the name Astin has been associated with several notable figures. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Astinus, a chronicler of the First Crusade who accompanied Bohemond I, the Prince of Taranto, on his journey to the Holy Land in 1096. Astinus wrote an account of the crusade known as the "Gesta Francorum", which is considered one of the most important sources for the history of the First Crusade.
In more recent times, the name Astin has gained popularity due to its use by celebrities and public figures. For instance, American actor and director Ashton Kutcher was originally named Christopher Ashton Kutcher at birth but later changed his first name to Ashton professionally. This has helped to raise the profile of the name Astin among the general public.
Today, Astin remains a relatively uncommon given name, but it is often chosen by parents looking for a unique and distinctive option for their child. The name's association with steadfastness and constancy makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a strong and meaningful moniker for their baby boy. Overall, the name Astin has a rich history and an attractive meaning that sets it apart from many other names in use today.
The name Astin has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 433 babies given this name since 1983. The peak years for Astin were in recent times, with 27 births recorded in 2013 and 24 births in 2011. However, it's interesting to note that the number of babies named Astin has been relatively low and stable from the mid-1980s up until around 2010, ranging between 6 and 19 births per year during this period. Since then, there has been a noticeable increase in popularity, with more than 10 births recorded every year since 2011, indicating that Astin may be becoming a more popular choice for parents naming their newborns in the United States. Despite its recent surge in popularity, however, Astin remains relatively uncommon compared to many other names, which is reflected in its low total number of births over the past few decades.