Log in · Sign up

Payne Boy

Popularity: #916 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationPAYN / /peɪn/

English; Old French

Meaning

English: 'fence'; Old French: 'pagan'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Payne has its roots in the Old French word "paien," which means "pagan" or "country dweller." This term was derived from the Latin "paganus," which originally referred to a rural inhabitant and later took on the connotation of someone who practiced polytheism in contrast to the Christians of the early centuries. The name entered the English language after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Old French terms were assimilated into Middle English, leading to the adoption of Payne as a surname and later as a given name.

Historically, the name Payne has been associated with various notable figures, including individuals in the medieval period who bore the name as a surname before it transitioned into a first name. One significant milestone in its historical journey is its appearance in the records of the Domesday Book in 1086, where it was used to denote individuals of some standing. The name also appears in various medieval texts and documents, reflecting the social structures of the time and the importance of lineage and family names.

Culturally, the name Payne has been linked to themes of resilience and strength, often associated with the idea of overcoming adversity, which resonates with the etymological roots of the term "pagan" as it relates to the early Christians' view of non-believers. The name has also been connected to various literary and historical figures, enhancing its cultural significance over the centuries. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Pay" have emerged in informal contexts, though the primary name has maintained its traditional form in historical records. Overall, the name Payne encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural heritage.

Trend Summary

The name Payne has seen limited popularity in the United States, remaining relatively uncommon.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Payn
  • Paine

International Variants

Famous people named Payne

Payne Stewart was a professional golfer best known for winning three major championships and his distinctive style on the course.

Payne Lindsey is a filmmaker and podcaster best known for the true crime series Up and Vanished and the podcast The Murder of Mary Phagan.

Fictional characters named Payne

Payne is a fictional character from the video game Max Payne. He is a former NYPD detective turned vigilante seeking revenge for the murder of his family.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Payne was first seen in the United States in 1900. Payne has ranked as high as #1162 nationally, which occurred in 2000, and has been most popular in Texas, Ohio, Michigan, California, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Payne has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Payne (2015)

StateBirthsShare
TX 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19005
19116
19147
19155
19166
19175
19235
19247
19395
19867
198726
198810
19897
199024
199116
199234
199354
199467
199540
199642
199723
199824
199941
2000121
200181
200262
200355
200445
200544
200640
200738
200831
200934
201030
201124
201217
201319
201421
201517
201614
201726
201814
201921
202016
202119
202212
202316
20248