Thayer Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationTHAY-er / /ˈθeɪər/English; Old English
Meaning
English: 'tailor'; Old English: 'a dweller by the river'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Thayer has its roots in Old French, derived from the word "taier," which means "to plow" or "to cultivate." This term evolved from the Latin "taliare," which also relates to farming and land cultivation. The name entered the English language during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Old French words and names were assimilated into English. As a result, Thayer can be seen as a name that embodies agricultural significance, reflecting the importance of farming in medieval society.
Historically, the name Thayer is associated with various notable figures and families, particularly in England and America. In the 19th century, the name gained prominence through the Thayer family, who were influential in various fields, including education and politics. One significant milestone is the establishment of Thayer Academy in Massachusetts in 1877, named after a prominent benefactor, which further solidified the name's association with educational advancement. The name has also appeared in literature and historical texts, contributing to its recognition over the centuries.
Culturally, Thayer carries connotations of diligence and hard work, reflective of its agricultural origins. The name has been embraced in various contexts, often symbolizing a connection to the land and the virtues of perseverance. While diminutive forms or variations of Thayer are less common, the name's historical significance and its ties to cultivation and labor have allowed it to endure through generations. Overall, Thayer represents a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural resonance, rooted in the agrarian traditions of early English society.
Trend Summary
Thayer has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Thayre
International Variants
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Famous people named Thayer
Thayer David was an actor best known for Dark Shadows, The Devil's Brigade, and The Last of the Secret Agents?.
Thayer Munford is a football player best known for playing with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fictional characters named Thayer
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Thayer was first seen in the United States in 1912. Thayer has ranked as high as #1343 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, Arkansas, and Kentucky. In the past 5 years the name Thayer has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Thayer (2019)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
KY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1912 | 6 |
1913 | 8 |
1914 | 5 |
1915 | 8 |
1916 | 9 |
1917 | 10 |
1918 | 17 |
1919 | 11 |
1920 | 10 |
1921 | 8 |
1922 | 10 |
1923 | 5 |
1924 | 12 |
1925 | 8 |
1926 | 9 |
1927 | 5 |
1929 | 12 |
1930 | 8 |
1931 | 6 |
1933 | 9 |
1934 | 7 |
1935 | 7 |
1936 | 6 |
1938 | 9 |
1939 | 6 |
1940 | 8 |
1941 | 8 |
1942 | 9 |
1943 | 5 |
1944 | 8 |
1946 | 10 |
1948 | 8 |
1949 | 5 |
1950 | 7 |
1951 | 8 |
1953 | 6 |
1954 | 5 |
1956 | 7 |
1957 | 9 |
1958 | 6 |
1961 | 7 |
1962 | 9 |
1963 | 13 |
1964 | 7 |
1965 | 12 |
1966 | 10 |
1967 | 8 |
1968 | 6 |
1969 | 12 |
1970 | 11 |
1971 | 6 |
1972 | 11 |
1973 | 8 |
1974 | 7 |
1975 | 8 |
1976 | 5 |
1977 | 9 |
1979 | 7 |
1980 | 11 |
1981 | 9 |
1982 | 5 |
1983 | 8 |
1984 | 13 |
1985 | 6 |
1986 | 5 |
1987 | 9 |
1988 | 10 |
1989 | 15 |
1990 | 20 |
1991 | 10 |
1992 | 12 |
1993 | 11 |
1994 | 16 |
1995 | 14 |
1996 | 13 |
1997 | 11 |
1998 | 10 |
1999 | 14 |
2000 | 16 |
2001 | 12 |
2002 | 14 |
2003 | 11 |
2004 | 10 |
2005 | 16 |
2006 | 13 |
2007 | 16 |
2008 | 12 |
2009 | 15 |
2010 | 18 |
2011 | 20 |
2012 | 36 |
2013 | 44 |
2014 | 52 |
2015 | 52 |
2016 | 45 |
2017 | 46 |
2018 | 42 |
2019 | 49 |
2020 | 16 |
2021 | 27 |
2022 | 20 |
2023 | 20 |
2024 | 23 |