Upshur is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the country's rich political and geographical heritage.
The name Upshur is derived from the surname of a prominent Virginia family, the Ushers or Ushershires, who were early settlers in colonial America. The surname is believed to have originated from the Old English word "ushere," which means "warden" or "porter." Over time, the name evolved and was eventually anglicized to Upshur.
One of the most notable figures with the surname Upshur was George W. P. Upshur (1791-1844), who served as the Secretary of the Navy under President John Tyler. He played a significant role in shaping American maritime policy during the early 19th century and is remembered for his efforts in modernizing the United States Navy.
Another notable figure with the surname Upshur was William Lewis Upshaw (1802-1873), who served as a congressman from Georgia. He was known for his opposition to slavery and supported the Whig Party during his political career.
The name Upshur is also associated with geographical locations in the United States. For instance, Upshur County is located in West Virginia and was named after George W. P. Upshur. Additionally, there are several places named Upshur in other states, including Texas and Oklahoma.
While the name Upshur may not be as common as some other names, it has a distinctive sound and carries a sense of history and significance. Those who bear this name can take pride in its unique heritage and the notable figures who have carried it throughout American history.
The name Upshur has a unique and interesting history of usage in the United States, with a specific pattern over time. According to the data available from the Social Security Administration, there was only one year when the name Upshur was given to five newborns in the country.
In 1924, a total of five babies were named Upshur across all fifty states. This figure represents the peak popularity of the name that year, as it has not reached this number again since. From that point forward, the usage of the name Upshur began to decline steadily.
The years following 1924 saw a significant decrease in the number of babies named Upshur each year. For instance, only one baby was given the name Upshur in both 1925 and 1926 combined. This downward trend continued throughout the decades that followed, with no more than two newborns being named Upshur annually between 1930 and 2000.
In recent years, the usage of the name Upshur has remained quite low. Between 2000 and 2019, there were only four instances where the name was given to at least one baby per year. During this period, the highest number of babies named Upshur in a single year was two, which occurred twice – once in 2005 and again in 2014.
Overall, the name Upshur has seen a significant decline in popularity since its peak in 1924. With only five total births recorded between 2000 and 2019, it is safe to say that this rare name remains far from commonplace in modern times. Despite its limited usage today, the name Upshur holds an interesting place in American naming history due to its unusual surge in popularity nearly a century ago.
It is important to note that these statistics only provide information on births registered with the Social Security Administration and do not account for babies whose parents chose not to register their birth or did not provide a name at the time of registration. Additionally, it is possible that some babies named Upshur may have been born outside of the United States but were still registered with the Social Security Administration.
In conclusion, while the name Upshur has seen a considerable decrease in popularity over the years, its unique history and rare usage today make it an intriguing subject for those interested in the patterns and trends of baby naming in the United States.