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Thayer Boy

Popularity: #901 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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

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

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)

StateBirthsShare
KY 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19126
19138
19145
19158
19169
191710
191817
191911
192010
19218
192210
19235
192412
19258
19269
19275
192912
19308
19316
19339
19347
19357
19366
19389
19396
19408
19418
19429
19435
19448
194610
19488
19495
19507
19518
19536
19545
19567
19579
19586
19617
19629
196313
19647
196512
196610
19678
19686
196912
197011
19716
197211
19738
19747
19758
19765
19779
19797
198011
19819
19825
19838
198413
19856
19865
19879
198810
198915
199020
199110
199212
199311
199416
199514
199613
199711
199810
199914
200016
200112
200214
200311
200410
200516
200613
200716
200812
200915
201018
201120
201236
201344
201452
201552
201645
201746
201842
201949
202016
202127
202220
202320
202423