Pierre is a masculine given name of French origin and meaning "rock" or "stone". It has been a popular choice among families in France and other French-speaking countries for centuries. The name Pierre is believed to have originated from the Latin word 'Petra', which means rock or stone.
Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name Pierre. One of the most famous was Pierre Curie (1859-1906), a French physicist known for his groundbreaking work on radioactivity with his wife Marie Curie. Another notable figure was Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), a renowned French Impressionist painter whose works include "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette".
The name Pierre has also been used in various works of literature, art, and film throughout history. For instance, it is the name of the protagonist in Guy de Maupassant's short story "Pierre et Jean", as well as the title character in the French film "Le Petit Lieutenant" directed by Xavier Beauvois.
In terms of cultural significance, the name Pierre has been associated with strength and resilience due to its meaning. It has also been popular among religious figures, such as Saint Peter (Pierre in French), one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
Overall, Pierre is a strong and timeless masculine given name with a rich history and many notable bearers throughout the centuries. Its origins and meaning make it a suitable choice for parents looking for a classic yet meaningful name for their son.
The given statistics show the number of babies named Pierre born in the United States each year from 1955 to 1990. Over this period, there were a total of 74 babies named Pierre.
Interestingly, the highest number of Pierre births occurred in 1985, with 12 newborns bearing this name. This is more than double the number of Pierre births in any other year within this timeframe. It seems that the mid-1980s was a popular time for parents to choose the name Pierre for their baby boys.
However, it's important to note that these statistics represent only a small fraction of total births in the United States during these years. For instance, in 1985 alone, there were approximately 3.2 million births nationwide. Therefore, while Pierre was a relatively uncommon name among newborns during this period, its usage did fluctuate somewhat over time.
In conclusion, although Pierre was not one of the most popular baby names in the United States between 1955 and 1990, there were still several dozen boys born with this unique and distinctive name.