Armor is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word "armure," which means "armor" or "protective covering." This name has been traditionally used in England, particularly among families with Norman roots.
The use of Armour as a given name can be traced back to medieval times when it was often bestowed upon children in honor of their fathers who were knights or soldiers. It was seen as a way to wish protection and strength upon the child throughout his life. In some cases, it may have been used as a surname before being adopted as a given name.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Armour. One such example is Sir William Armour, who founded the Armour Company, a prominent meatpacking corporation in the United States during the 19th century. Another well-known figure is Thomas Armour, an English botanist and physician who lived in the late 18th to early 19th centuries.
Today, Armour remains a rare but meaningful name choice for parents looking for something unique yet grounded in history. It continues to evoke images of strength, bravery, and protection, making it an appealing option for those seeking a name with substance and significance.
The name Armour has a unique history of usage in the United States, with fluctuations in popularity over the years. Between 1907 and 2021, there have been a total of 189 births registered with the name Armour. The name's peak popularity occurred between 1914 and 1923, during which time it was given to at least five babies each year. During this period, the name Armour was particularly popular in 1917, with a total of 14 births recorded that year.
After 1923, the usage of the name Armour began to decline steadily. Between 1924 and 1945, there were only five years in which more than five babies were given the name Armour: 1927 with eight births, 1932 with seven births, 1934 with eight births, 1935 with seven births, and 1947 with seven births.
There was a notable gap in usage of the name Armour between 1945 and 2021, with no recorded births during this time. However, the name reemerged in recent years, with five babies named Armour in 2021. This suggests that there may be a renewed interest in the name Armour among parents today.
Overall, while the name Armour has not been consistently popular throughout history, it has maintained a steady presence in the United States with at least one birth recorded every few years on average. Its peak popularity occurred during the early 20th century, and there is evidence of renewed interest in the name in recent times.