Bayard is a name of French origin that has a rich history and significant meaning. It is derived from the Occitan word "Bayart," which means "reddish brown." This color was associated with courage, bravery, and nobility in medieval times.
The name Bayard is most famously associated with Bayard I, also known as the Knight of the Red Beak or the Green Knight, who was a legendary French knight from the House of Senlis. He fought alongside King Charlemagne in the 8th century and was renowned for his bravery and skill in battle.
Throughout history, the name Bayard has been used by various notable figures, including:
* Bayard de Beaujeu (1340-1396), a French nobleman and military leader who fought against the English during the Hundred Years' War.
* Bayard II of Senlis (died 1248), a French nobleman and crusader who participated in the Seventh Crusade.
Today, Bayard is still used as a given name, particularly in France and other Francophone countries. It has also gained popularity as a surname throughout Europe and North America. Despite its historical association with nobility and bravery, Bayard is not considered a title or rank but rather a personal name that can be given to both boys and girls.
In summary, the name Bayard originates from medieval France and carries a meaning associated with courage and nobility. Throughout history, it has been borne by many notable figures who embody these qualities. Today, it continues to be used as a given name and surname in various parts of the world.
Based on the provided statistics, we can analyze the popularity of the name Bayard in the United States over time.
The name Bayard first appeared as a boy's name in the US in 1882, with five births recorded that year. It then remained relatively stable for the next few decades, with no more than seven births per year until 1912 when it suddenly peaked at twelve births. This popularity continued to rise over the following years, reaching a high of thirty-two births each in both 1918 and 1919.
However, after this peak, the popularity of Bayard began to decline significantly. Between 1920 and 1935, there was an average of around twenty births per year for the name Bayard. This number continued to decrease over time, dropping below ten births per year from 1937 onwards.
In recent years, the name Bayard has seen a slight resurgence in popularity. After consistently having only five births each year between 2005 and 2014, there were nine births recorded in 2017, eight in 2019, and six in 2020.
Overall, while the name Bayard has had periods of relative popularity throughout history, it has never been a particularly common boy's name in the United States. With a total of 922 births recorded over the years, it remains somewhat rare and distinctive.