Tristan
Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
129,641 Total Births
145 Years of Data
1996 Peak Popularity Year
5,844 Peak Births

Tristan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Tristan has Latin origins, meaning 'sorrowful'. It evolved from Tristinus in Latin to Tristan in Old French and then to its current form in English. The name is often linked with themes of tragic romance and nobility, particularly through the legends of Tristan and Isolde. It has no direct biblical relevance and gained popularity in the medieval era. Variants include Tristram and Tristian, while modern perceptions associate it with romantic ideals.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Tristan"

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Pronunciation

/ˈtrɪstən/

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Origin

Latin

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Etymology

The name Tristan is derived from the Latin word 'tristis', meaning 'sad' or 'sorrowful'. It is often associated with the legend of Tristan and Isolde, which is a tale of tragic romance.

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Meaning

sorrowful

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Language Evolution

Tristinus (Latin), Tristan (Old French), Tristan (Middle English)

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Historical Usage

Tristan gained popularity in the medieval period due to the romantic legends surrounding the character, particularly in the context of Arthurian literature.

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Variants & Derivatives

Tristram, Tristian, Trist, Triton

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Modern Popularity & Image

Tristan is perceived as a romantic and noble name, often associated with chivalry and tragic love. It enjoys moderate popularity in various cultures today.

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Famous People

Tristan da Cunha (island name), Tristan Tzara (founder of Dada movement), Tristan Thompson (professional basketball player)

📊 Tristan Name Trend Analysis

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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Declining
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Tristan Name Visualizations

✨ Tristan Name Meaning & Significance

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 5,844 peak births in 1996

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Tristan" - Complete Guide (3 Names)

Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Tristan". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.

Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Tristan" that fits your preferences.

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Tristan"

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 "Tristan"

"Tristan" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 2547th of 7552 196
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 860th of 10718 1,429
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 228th of 16616 19,079
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 95th of 24088 69,577
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 144th of 23106 32,831
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 11010th of 12526 10
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 2800th of 19264 416
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 1052nd of 27321 2,593
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 1216th of 35406 2,968
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 3484th of 30306 542

Regional Popularity of "Tristan" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - 52.76%
1464th/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
32.07%
942nd/2937
26.50%
923rd/3483
31.72%
1116th/3518
17.33%
701st/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
5.67%
209th/3685
5.05%
226th/4475
4.33%
225th/5194
3.64%
230th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
2.16%
99th/4582
2.13%
110th/5164
1.16%
85th/7313
1.35%
101st/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
4.12%
164th/3984
2.96%
133rd/4487
1.88%
128th/6822
2.58%
162nd/6276

Regional Popularity of "Tristan" 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)
- - - 50.59%
2046th/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
28.22%
1040th/3685
39.62%
1773rd/4475
18.71%
972nd/5194
19.09%
1206th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
28.04%
1285th/4582
39.60%
2045th/5164
13.10%
958th/7313
22.34%
1667th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
100.00%
3984th/3984
94.54%
4242nd/4487
45.79%
3124th/6822
70.49%
4424th/6276

State-by-State Popularity of "Tristan"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Tristan" 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 "Tristan" in the United States

The name Tristan is most popular in Alaska, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Tristan has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too rising for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling 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, 'Tristan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2547th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 860th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 228th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 95th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 144th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 11010th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2800th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1052nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1216th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3484th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Tristan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Tristan name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity of Tristan,