Hamish Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Hamish is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic version of James, which has roots in the Hebrew name Yaakov. It means 'supplanter' and has evolved through various languages over centuries. The name is associated with cultural heritage and has gained prominence in Scotland since the 19th century. It has no biblical background. Today, it is viewed positively as a name rich in tradition and Scottish identity.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Hamish"
Pronunciation
/ˈheɪmɪʃ/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Hamish originates from the Scottish Gaelic form of the name James, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob). It is often interpreted to mean 'supplanter' or 'one who follows'.
Meaning
supplanter
Language Evolution
Yaakov (Hebrew), Iacobus (Latin), Jacobus (Old French), James (English), Hamish (Scottish Gaelic)
Historical Usage
Hamish gained popularity in Scotland during the 19th century as a distinct Scottish variant of James, particularly among the Scottish Highland communities.
Variants & Derivatives
James, Seamus, Iain, Hammy
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Hamish is perceived as a traditional and culturally rich name in Scotland, often associated with heritage and Scottish identity.
Famous People
Hamish Macbeth (fictional character from the book series by M.C. Beaton), Hamish Stewart (Scottish musician), Hamish Blake (Australian comedian and television presenter)
📊 Hamish Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Hamish Name Visualizations
✨ Hamish Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 25 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Hamish"
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 of "Hamish"
"Hamish" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12589th of 16616 | 16 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7915th of 24088 | 131 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5409th of 23106 | 203 |
Regional Popularity of "Hamish" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Hamish" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Hamish"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Hamish" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Hamish" in the United States
The name Hamish is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Hamish has been stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Hamish' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12589th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7915th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5409th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Hamish' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.