North Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name North originates from the Old English 'norð' meaning 'the direction toward the North Pole.' It has evolved through various historical forms and retains a strong cultural significance tied to direction and exploration. The name has no biblical relevance but has gained popularity in modern times, especially influenced by notable figures. It conveys traits of leadership and adventure.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "North"
Pronunciation
/nɔrθ/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name North originates from the Old English word 'norð,' which means 'the direction toward the North Pole.' It is derived from Proto-Germanic roots.
Meaning
the direction or region associated with the north
Language Evolution
Proto-Germanic: *nurþa, Old English: norð, Middle English: north, Modern English: North
Historical Usage
The name North has gained popularity as a surname and place name throughout history, particularly in English-speaking countries, and has seen a resurgence as a given name in recent years.
Variants & Derivatives
Northe, Nort, Northman
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name North is often associated with a sense of direction and adventure. It has gained popularity in contemporary culture, particularly due to celebrity influence.
Famous People
North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, North Adams, a city in Massachusetts
📊 North Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More North Name Visualizations
✨ North Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 22 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 0 US states, with strongest presence in various regions
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "North"
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 "North"
"North" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5669th of 7545 | 20 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6350th of 6773 | 7 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 15172nd of 16616 | 7 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7186th of 24088 | 153 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 7137th of 23106 | 134 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 13987th of 30306 | 64 |
Regional Popularity of "North" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "North" 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 "North"
This map shows the relative popularity of "North" 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 "North" in the United States
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. Across generations, 'North' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5669th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6350th out of 6773 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15172nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7186th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7137th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13987th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'North' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.