Boy · 61st of 7,545
Chester
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
122,197
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1920
Peak Popularity Year
3,726
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Chester stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Chester is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'fortress' or 'camp'. It evolved from the Latin 'castra' through various forms in Celtic, Old English, and Middle English. The name is associated with strength and has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is currently viewed as a classic name with a vintage appeal.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈtʃɛstər/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Chester is derived from the Latin word 'castra', meaning 'fortress' or 'camp'. It was originally used to refer to Roman military camps established in Britain.
Meaning
fortress, camp
Language Evolution
Celtic: Caer, Latin: Castra, Old English: Ceaster, Middle English: Chester
Historical Usage
Chester gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in England and the United States, influenced by its use as a place name and its historical significance.
Variants & Derivatives
Chet, Ches, Chess
Modern Popularity & Image
Chester is perceived as a traditional and classic name, often associated with a sense of strength and stability. It has seen a resurgence in recent years as a vintage name choice.
Famous People
Chester A. Arthur - 21st President of the United States, Chester Bennington - Lead singer of the rock band Linkin Park, Chester Himes - American novelist and crime writer
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,726 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 61st of 7545 | 51,147 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 126th of 6773 | 27,581 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 205th of 7552 | 23,151 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 375th of 10718 | 7,228 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 651st of 16616 | 3,658 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1539th of 24088 | 1,449 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1767th of 23106 | 1,071 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1735th of 9107 | 400 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2419th of 9204 | 234 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4692nd of 12526 | 134 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11760th of 19264 | 30 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 27321st of 27321 | 5 |