Nation is an unusual and distinctive given name of American origin. It does not have a specific meaning or derivation from any particular language, but rather it was coined by the author and activist Edward Bellamy in his utopian novel "Looking Backward" published in 1888.
In this novel, Nation is the surname of one of the main characters who embodies the idealistic principles of a perfect society. The name gained popularity after the publication of the book and became associated with progressive ideals and social reform movements.
While not traditionally considered a popular name, Nation has been occasionally used as a given name in the United States since the late 19th century. It is often chosen by parents who want their child to have an unconventional and meaningful name that reflects their values or interests.
According to the data provided, the name Nation has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 1997 and 2008, the number of babies named Nation remained relatively low, with an average of around 10 births per year.
However, starting in 2009, there was a notable uptick in the use of this name, with 16 births recorded that year. This trend continued through 2014, with an average of around 17 births per year during this period. The highest number of Nation births recorded in any single year was in 2020 and 2021, with both years seeing 42 births each.
Overall, from 1997 to 2023, there have been a total of 379 babies named Nation born in the United States. This steady increase in popularity suggests that parents are drawn to this unique name for their children.