Warren is a name of English origin that has gained popularity over the years due to its strong and distinguished sound. It is derived from the Old English word "wearren," which means "guardian" or "protector." The name Warren was originally used as a surname, given to individuals who lived near a hill or fortification.
The earliest known use of Warren as a given name is in medieval England, where it was often used for boys. However, its popularity did not significantly increase until the 20th century. In the United States, for example, Warren became a popular boy's name during the mid-20th century, with its peak popularity being in the 1940s and 1950s.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Warren. One of the most famous is Warren G. Harding, who served as the 29th President of the United States from 1921 until his death in 1923. Other notable Warrens include Warren Buffett, an American business magnate and philanthropist; Warren Beatty, an Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker; and Warren Spector, a Canadian video game designer.
Today, Warren continues to be used as both a given name and a surname around the world. Its strong and distinctive sound has made it appealing to parents seeking a unique yet powerful name for their sons. Despite its historical association with medieval England, Warren remains a timeless choice that transcends cultural boundaries.
The name Warren has seen a fascinating journey in popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th century, the number of babies named Warren was relatively low and fluctuated between around 150 to 264 births per year from 1880 to 1910.
However, the early 20th century marked a significant turning point for the name Warren. In 1911, there were 338 births, and this number continued to rise rapidly, reaching 697 in 1912 and 798 in 1913. The peak of popularity for the name Warren occurred between 1915 and 1920, with a total of 1420 births in 1915 alone.
After this peak, the number of babies named Warren began to decline steadily. By 1922, there were only 4484 births, and this number continued to decrease throughout the 1930s and 1940s, reaching a low of 1813 births in 1940.
The mid-20th century saw a slight resurgence in popularity for the name Warren, with the number of births increasing from 2042 in 1941 to 2728 in 1947. However, this trend was not sustained, and the number of babies named Warren continued to decline throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Since the 1970s, the name Warren has remained relatively stable in popularity, with around 700 to 1000 births per year. The most recent data available shows that there were 1080 births named Warren in 2023, indicating that this classic and timeless name continues to be chosen by parents today.
In total, over the period from 1880 to 2023, there have been 181708 babies named Warren in the United States. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of this strong and distinguished name across generations.