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Ward Boy

Popularity: #888 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationWARD / /wɔrd/

Old English; Germanic

Meaning

Old English: watchman; Germanic: guardian

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ward has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "weard," meaning "guard" or "watchman." This term evolved through various forms, including the Old French "guard," which was adopted into Middle English as "ward." The transition into modern English maintained the core meaning associated with protection and guardianship. The name has been used in various contexts, often as a surname before becoming established as a given name in its own right.

Historically, the name Ward appears in several notable contexts. In medieval England, it was common for individuals to be referred to by their occupation or role, and thus the name was often associated with those in positions of authority or protection. The name is also found in various historical texts and records, including the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was used to denote individuals responsible for the safety of a particular area. Additionally, the name has been borne by several saints and figures in Christian history, contributing to its significance in religious contexts.

Culturally, the name Ward has been associated with themes of vigilance and responsibility, resonating with the idea of guardianship in both familial and societal structures. This connection to protection has allowed the name to endure through centuries, often symbolizing a strong moral character. The diminutive form "Wardy" has also emerged in some contexts, reflecting a more affectionate or familiar usage of the name. Overall, Ward encapsulates a rich historical and cultural legacy that underscores its enduring appeal.

Trend Summary

The name Ward has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable decline in usage since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Warde

International Variants

  • Guardián (Spanish)
  • Garde (French)

Famous people named Ward

Ward Bond was an actor best known for The Searchers, It's a Wonderful Life, and Wagon Train.

Ward Kimball was an animator and director best known for his work on Disney's Pinocchio, Fantasia, and The Jungle Book.

Ward Churchill is an author and activist best known for his writings on Native American issues and the book A Little Matter of Genocide.

Fictional characters named Ward

Ward Meachum is a fictional character from the comic book series Iron Fist. He is a business associate and sometimes antagonist to Danny Rand, the Iron Fist.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ward was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ward has ranked as high as #822 nationally, which occurred in 1961, and has been most popular in New York, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Ward has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ward (2023)

StateBirthsShare
OH 5
50%
TX 5
50%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188030
188137
188230
188327
188438
188523
188625
188723
188829
188932
189037
189137
189250
189330
189431
189548
189641
189728
189828
189948
190043
190125
190246
190340
190439
190531
190634
190732
190842
190940
191050
191177
1912114
1913150
1914193
1915237
1916211
1917242
1918258
1919243
1920286
1921273
1922323
1923271
1924276
1925256
1926220
1927230
1928183
1929192
1930223
1931179
1932169
1933164
1934187
1935157
1936140
1937149
1938175
1939154
1940142
1941139
1942158
1943177
1944167
1945155
1946219
1947218
1948204
1949183
1950167
1951200
1952180
1953207
1954196
1955197
1956194
1957169
1958246
1959253
1960283
1961341
1962263
1963282
1964244
1965172
1966200
1967183
1968141
1969131
1970129
197194
197294
197362
197461
197549
197666
197756
197843
197935
198045
198132
198243
198341
198429
198534
198635
198732
198828
198928
199033
199120
199224
199323
199415
199517
199621
199720
199823
199919
200016
200117
200214
200317
200410
200523
200619
200712
200820
200911
201018
201117
201225
201330
201430
201527
201648
201744
201840
201933
202047
202144
202254
202343
202436