Legacy Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Legacy' has its roots in Latin, meaning something transmitted from the past. It has evolved through various forms in different languages, emphasizing the concept of inheritance and impact. It carries traits of remembrance and significance, though it does not have a biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Legacy"
Pronunciation
/ˈlɛɡəsi/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The word 'legacy' comes from the Latin term 'legatia', which refers to the act of sending a delegate or envoy. Over time, it evolved to signify something handed down from the past.
Meaning
something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor
Language Evolution
Latin: legatia, Old French: legacie, Middle English: legacie, Modern English: legacy
Historical Usage
The term 'legacy' gained prominence in the English language during the medieval period, particularly in contexts relating to property and inheritance.
Variants & Derivatives
legacies, legatee, legate
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, 'legacy' is often associated with the impact one leaves behind, either in terms of personal achievements or contributions to society.
Famous People
Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana
📊 Legacy Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Legacy Name Visualizations
✨ Legacy Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,095 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 37 US states, with strongest presence in Georgia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Legacy"
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 "Legacy"
"Legacy" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8496th of 24088 | 116 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1056th of 23106 | 2,346 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15632nd of 27321 | 36 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4086th of 35406 | 544 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 720th of 30306 | 4,761 |
Regional Popularity of "Legacy" 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) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
- | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
26.18% 1043rd/3984 |
20.88% 937th/4487 |
13.57% 926th/6822 |
22.10% 1387th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Legacy" 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) |
79.11% 3625th/4582 |
100.00% 5164th/5164 |
63.09% 4614th/7313 |
69.90% 5217th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.02% 678th/3984 |
18.50% 830th/4487 |
8.56% 584th/6822 |
19.76% 1240th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Legacy"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Legacy" 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 "Legacy" in the United States
The name Legacy is most popular in Georgia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha 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, Legacy has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Legacy' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8496th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1056th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15632nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4086th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 720th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Legacy' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.