Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Thurman has its roots in Old English, combining elements that suggest strength and perseverance. It has evolved through the language, maintaining its meaning across centuries. While it lacks biblical significance, the name has gained recognition in American culture through notable figures. Today, Thurman is perceived as a strong, traditional name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈθɜːrmən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Thurman is derived from the Old English elements 'þurh', meaning 'through', and 'man', meaning 'man' or 'person'. It can be interpreted to mean 'the man who passes through' or 'the strong man'.
Meaning
Strong man, one who passes through
Language Evolution
Þurhmann (Old English), Thurman (Middle English), Thurman (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Thurman gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with strength and resilience.
Variants & Derivatives
Terman, Thurm, Thurmann
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Thurman is viewed as a traditional name with a strong and sturdy connotation, though it is not as commonly used in contemporary naming trends.
Famous People
Thurman Munson, an American professional baseball player, Thurman Thomas, a former professional American football player
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 361 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 27 US states, with strongest presence in North Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 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 2 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 | 318th of 7545 | 5,277 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 353rd of 6773 | 4,734 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 548th of 7552 | 3,550 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 878th of 10718 | 1,375 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1713th of 16616 | 702 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4706th of 24088 | 285 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8211th of 23106 | 107 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
27.33% 387th/1416 |
55.18% 761st/1379 |
8.33% 197th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
30.66% 474th/1546 |
49.04% 763rd/1556 |
10.37% 244th/2353 |
46.99% 727th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
28.20% 628th/2227 |
37.45% 910th/2430 |
14.44% 412th/2853 |
30.99% 860th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
34.08% 1001st/2937 |
41.98% 1462nd/3483 |
20.15% 709th/3518 |
35.71% 1444th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
47.19% 1739th/3685 |
- |
32.06% 1665th/5194 |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
65.06% 4758th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - 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
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 North Carolina 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 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 male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 318th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 353rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 548th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 878th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1713th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4706th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8211th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.