Pembroke Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: PEM-broke /ˈpɛm.broʊk/
Origin: English; Welsh
Meaning: English: from the hill by the river; Welsh: a place name
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Pembroke has its origins in the Welsh language, deriving from the elements "pen" meaning "head" or "hill" and "broc" which translates to "badger" or refers to a place associated with badgers. The name is believed to refer to a geographical location, specifically the town of Pembroke in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to the Old Welsh "Penbroc," which evolved into the modern Welsh "Penfro." The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, as the Normans brought their own linguistic influences, leading to the anglicized form "Pembroke." Historically, Pembroke is significant due to its association with the medieval Welsh nobility and the establishment of Pembroke Castle in the late 11th century, which became a focal point of power in the region. The castle was built by the Normans and later became the birthplace of notable figures such as William Marshal, a prominent knight and statesman in the 12th century.
The name also appears in various historical documents and literature, including the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century, which contributed to the mythos surrounding Welsh history and legend. Culturally, the name Pembroke carries connotations of strength and nobility, reflective of its historical roots in the Welsh landscape and its association with significant figures in British history.
The name is also linked to the title of the Earl of Pembroke, a title that has been held by various noble families since the medieval period. The enduring legacy of Pembroke is further highlighted by its use in various contexts, including literature and the arts, where it symbolizes a connection to Welsh heritage and identity.
Famous people named Pembroke
In this section, you will find notable people named Pembroke. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Pembroke who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Pembroke who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a dog breed best known for its short legs, long body, and association with the British royal family.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Pembroke, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Pembroke. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Pembroke was first seen in the United States in 1887.
Pembroke has ranked as high as #344 nationally, which occurred in 1887, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Pembroke has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Pembroke is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Pembroke was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Pembroke
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Pembroke.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1887 | 5 |