Major Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MAY-jer //ˈmeɪdʒər//
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: Latin: greater; English: military rank
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Major has its roots in the Latin word "maior," which means "greater" or "larger." This term evolved through various linguistic stages, including Old French, where it became "maior" before entering Middle English as "maior" or "major." The transition into English was influenced by the use of the term in military and academic contexts, where it denotes rank or importance, thus embedding it within the language as a descriptor of significance. Historically, the name Major has been associated with various notable figures and contexts.
In the military, the rank of major has been a significant position since at least the Middle Ages, and it has been used in various armies around the world. The term also appears in ecclesiastical contexts, referring to a priest of higher rank.
In literature, the name has been used symbolically to denote authority and leadership, further solidifying its cultural significance. Culturally, Major carries connotations of strength and prominence, often associated with leadership roles.
The name has been used in various artistic and literary works, where characters named Major often embody traits of authority and responsibility. Additionally, the name has a diminutive form, "Maj," which has been used informally in some contexts, though it is less common.
Overall, the name Major reflects a historical legacy of importance and distinction, resonating through various spheres of life.
Famous people named Major
Major Lazer is a music project best known for Lean On, Cold Water, and Light It Up.
Major Harris is a singer best known for Love Won't Let Me Wait, All I Ever Wanted, and I Got Over Love.
Major League is a sports comedy film best known for Major League, Major League II, and Major League: Back to the Minors.
Fictional characters named Major
Major Motoko Kusanagi is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Ghost in the Shell. She is a cyborg officer in the Public Security Section 9, known for her expertise in cyber warfare and investigations.
Major General Frank Burns is a fictional character from the film and TV series M*A*S*H. He is a surgeon and a member of the U.S. Army who often serves as a foil to the more laid-back characters in the series.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Major was first seen in the United States in 1880.
Major has ranked as high as #591 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama.
In the past 5 years the name Major has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Major (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 52 | |
| GA | 48 | |
| FL | 42 | |
| NC | 34 | |
| AL | 22 | |
| OH | 20 | |
| CA | 20 | |
| MS | 19 | |
| IL | 18 | |
| SC | 17 | |
| MI | 16 | |
| MO | 15 | |
| NY | 13 | |
| TN | 13 | |
| LA | 12 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 28 |
| 1881 | 40 |
| 1882 | 44 |
| 1883 | 41 |
| 1884 | 36 |
| 1885 | 37 |
| 1886 | 31 |
| 1887 | 40 |
| 1888 | 37 |
| 1889 | 44 |
| 1890 | 27 |
| 1891 | 34 |
| 1892 | 41 |
| 1893 | 41 |
| 1894 | 37 |
| 1895 | 34 |
| 1896 | 42 |
| 1897 | 39 |
| 1898 | 42 |
| 1899 | 42 |
| 1900 | 51 |
| 1901 | 22 |
| 1902 | 46 |
| 1903 | 36 |
| 1904 | 31 |
| 1905 | 44 |
| 1906 | 39 |
| 1907 | 30 |
| 1908 | 38 |
| 1909 | 51 |
| 1910 | 46 |
| 1911 | 50 |
| 1912 | 68 |
| 1913 | 98 |
| 1914 | 109 |
| 1915 | 151 |
| 1916 | 130 |
| 1917 | 159 |
| 1918 | 153 |
| 1919 | 183 |
| 1920 | 169 |
| 1921 | 162 |
| 1922 | 151 |
| 1923 | 124 |
| 1924 | 150 |
| 1925 | 116 |
| 1926 | 147 |
| 1927 | 145 |
| 1928 | 150 |
| 1929 | 122 |
| 1930 | 143 |
| 1931 | 95 |
| 1932 | 125 |
| 1933 | 107 |
| 1934 | 95 |
| 1935 | 89 |
| 1936 | 103 |
| 1937 | 93 |
| 1938 | 98 |
| 1939 | 103 |
| 1940 | 127 |
| 1941 | 92 |
| 1942 | 122 |
| 1943 | 126 |
| 1944 | 129 |
| 1945 | 121 |
| 1946 | 108 |
| 1947 | 121 |
| 1948 | 120 |
| 1949 | 110 |
| 1950 | 134 |
| 1951 | 134 |
| 1952 | 116 |
| 1953 | 116 |
| 1954 | 111 |
| 1955 | 103 |
| 1956 | 98 |
| 1957 | 100 |
| 1958 | 97 |
| 1959 | 105 |
| 1960 | 71 |
| 1961 | 66 |
| 1962 | 67 |
| 1963 | 77 |
| 1964 | 83 |
| 1965 | 79 |
| 1966 | 57 |
| 1967 | 68 |
| 1968 | 55 |
| 1969 | 69 |
| 1970 | 72 |
| 1971 | 67 |
| 1972 | 57 |
| 1973 | 59 |
| 1974 | 59 |
| 1975 | 50 |
| 1976 | 46 |
| 1977 | 50 |
| 1978 | 54 |
| 1979 | 58 |
| 1980 | 65 |
| 1981 | 69 |
| 1982 | 51 |
| 1983 | 47 |
| 1984 | 53 |
| 1985 | 39 |
| 1986 | 51 |
| 1987 | 44 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 73 |
| 1990 | 62 |
| 1991 | 51 |
| 1992 | 48 |
| 1993 | 56 |
| 1994 | 46 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 36 |
| 1997 | 39 |
| 1998 | 36 |
| 1999 | 33 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 78 |
| 2003 | 63 |
| 2004 | 75 |
| 2005 | 74 |
| 2006 | 83 |
| 2007 | 94 |
| 2008 | 90 |
| 2009 | 182 |
| 2010 | 238 |
| 2011 | 197 |
| 2012 | 556 |
| 2013 | 854 |
| 2014 | 934 |
| 2015 | 912 |
| 2016 | 988 |
| 2017 | 1,042 |
| 2018 | 944 |
| 2019 | 948 |
| 2020 | 911 |
| 2021 | 757 |
| 2022 | 703 |
| 2023 | 578 |
| 2024 | 490 |