Hoover Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Hoover has English origins, stemming from the Middle Dutch word 'huver', meaning 'hollow'. It has evolved through various forms over time. The name is most notably associated with Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, which contributed to its recognition in the 20th century. The name carries a meaning of 'hollow' and has no direct biblical relevance. Its modern perception is mixed due to the historical context surrounding Herbert Hoover's presidency and the Hoover brand.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Hoover"
Pronunciation
/ˈhuːvər/
Origin
English
Etymology
The surname Hoover is derived from the Middle Dutch word 'huver', which means 'hollow', and was likely a nickname for someone who lived near a hollow or depression in the land.
Meaning
hollow
Language Evolution
Middle Dutch: huver, Old English: hūfa, Modern English: Hoover
Historical Usage
The surname Hoover became more widely recognized in the early 20th century, particularly with the rise of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, who served from 1929 to 1933.
Variants & Derivatives
Huver, Hoofer
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Hoover is often associated with the Hoover vacuum cleaner brand and has mixed connotations due to its historical association with Herbert Hoover's presidency during the Great Depression.
Famous People
Herbert Hoover, J. Edgar Hoover
📊 Hoover Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Hoover Name Visualizations
✨ Hoover Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 256 peak births in 1928
Geographic Spread
Popular across 17 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Hoover"
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 "Hoover"
"Hoover" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2516th of 7545 | 168 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1026th of 6773 | 747 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2815th of 7552 | 162 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7892nd of 10718 | 18 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11936th of 16616 | 19 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8498th of 9204 | 7 |
Regional Popularity of "Hoover" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
68.89% 1630th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
- |
26.48% 623rd/2353 |
52.81% 817th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
74.55% 2127th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Hoover" 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 "Hoover"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Hoover" 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 "Hoover" in the United States
The name Hoover is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent 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, Hoover has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male 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 South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Hoover' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2516th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1026th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2815th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7892nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11936th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21740th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8498th out of 9204 names. Discover how the name 'Hoover' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.