Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Homer originates from Greek, meaning 'hostage' or 'pledge'. It evolved from 'Homeros' in Ancient Greek to 'Homerus' in Latin. The name is strongly associated with the ancient poet Homer, who is a central figure in classical literature. Although it has biblical relevance, there are no direct biblical connections. The name gained popularity due to its literary significance and remains a symbol of cultural heritage.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhoʊmər/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name 'Homer' is believed to derive from the Greek word 'homeros', which means 'hostage' or 'pledge'. This is significant in the context of ancient Greek literature, particularly related to the poet traditionally attributed to the epic poems 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey'.
Meaning
hostage, pledge
Language Evolution
Homeros (Ancient Greek), Homerus (Latin)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity due to its association with the legendary Greek poet from the 8th century BCE, whose works have had a profound influence on Western literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Homeros, Omar
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Homer is often associated with literature and intellect, but it is also recognized through popular culture references, such as the character Homer Simpson from 'The Simpsons', which has contributed to a more humorous and lighthearted perception.
Famous People
Homer (ancient Greek poet), Homer Simpson (fictional character)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,734 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 101st of 7545 | 26,679 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 170th of 6773 | 16,453 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 352nd of 7552 | 8,527 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 665th of 10718 | 2,427 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1437th of 16616 | 915 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3907th of 24088 | 367 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3741st of 23106 | 347 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2622nd of 9107 | 207 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3586th of 9204 | 119 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 8600th of 12526 | 26 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
8.05% 114th/1416 |
12.55% 173rd/1379 |
3.21% 76th/2366 |
12.61% 144th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
12.35% 191st/1546 |
16.71% 260th/1556 |
5.01% 118th/2353 |
18.42% 285th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
16.48% 367th/2227 |
22.72% 552nd/2430 |
9.53% 272nd/2853 |
20.94% 581st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
21.59% 634th/2937 |
30.98% 1079th/3483 |
15.29% 538th/3518 |
24.09% 974th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
44.10% 1625th/3685 |
54.59% 2443rd/4475 |
21.70% 1127th/5194 |
36.63% 2314th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
36.41% 2663rd/7313 |
52.71% 3934th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
71.52% 3209th/4487 |
53.28% 3635th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| 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
This map shows relative popularity 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 in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 101st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 170th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 352nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 665th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1437th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3907th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3741st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2622nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3586th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 8600th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.