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
Fictional characters named Major
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 | |
| TN | 13 | |
| NY | 13 | |
| IN | 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 |