Collier is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "collier," which means "necklace" or "collar." The name Collier has been used historically as both a given name and a surname, often passed down through generations of families in France.
The name Collier first appeared in England during the Middle Ages when many Normans brought their names and customs to Britain after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is believed that Collier was initially bestowed upon children born into families involved in jewelry making or selling, as it was thought to bring good fortune and prosperity.
Throughout history, the name Collier has been associated with various notable figures. One such example is Sir Thomas Collier (1558-1630), an English judge and politician who served as Speaker of the House of Commons during the reign of King James I. Additionally, several members of the prominent Collier family in England were known for their literary pursuits, including George Henry Baird Collier (1874-1950), a British poet and novelist.
Today, Collier remains a rare but captivating given name choice for parents seeking to give their child an uncommon yet meaningful moniker. Its French origins add a touch of European elegance, while its straightforward meaning makes it easy to pronounce and remember. Although not traditionally associated with specific personality traits or characteristics, the name Collier has a strong and distinctive sound that can make it appealing for parents looking for a unique option for their child's name.
The name Collier has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with varying numbers of births each year. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name was given to between 5 and 14 babies per year, reaching its peak in 1918 and 1919.
The middle of the 20th century saw a decline in the popularity of the name Collier, with fewer than 10 births each year from 1930 to 1955. However, there was a resurgence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with between 8 and 14 babies named Collier each year.
The name continued to be given to around 5-10 babies per year throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The 1980s saw a slight increase in popularity, with the highest number of births recorded in 1989 (16 births).
Since the turn of the century, there has been a significant increase in the number of babies named Collier each year. In 2000, there were 32 births, and this number continued to rise steadily until reaching its peak in 2012 with 61 births. Since then, the popularity of the name has remained relatively stable, with between 35 and 55 births each year.
Overall, from 1898 to 2022, there have been a total of 1781 babies named Collier born in the United States. While the name's popularity has fluctuated over time, it has consistently remained a relatively uncommon choice, with fewer than 60 births recorded in most years since the early 20th century. Despite this, Collier remains an appealing and unique option for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.