Wellington is a name of Portuguese origin, meaning "well" or "spring". It was traditionally given to boys born near wells or springs, as it was believed that they would grow up to be strong and healthy like the waters that nourished them.
The name Wellington first gained prominence in England during the Napoleonic Wars. Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was a British military leader who played a significant role in defeating Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. His victory earned him widespread acclaim and popularity, and many families began naming their sons after him as a result.
In Portugal, the name Wellington has been used for centuries, with numerous historical figures bearing the name. However, it was not until the 19th century that it gained international recognition due to Arthur Wellesley's achievements.
Today, Wellington is still primarily considered a boy's name, although it can be given to girls as well. It remains popular in Portugal and Brazil, while also being used throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in countries with historical ties to the British Empire.
Despite its Portuguese origins, the name Wellington has been adopted by many different cultures over time. In some African countries, for example, it is considered a strong and powerful name suitable for both boys and girls. Ultimately, Wellington remains a unique and historic name that continues to be chosen by parents around the world.
The given statistics show the number of births with the name Wellington in the United States annually from 1880 to 2023. The data illustrates the fluctuating popularity of this name over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Wellington. This trend reached its peak between 1915 and 1922, with the highest number of births registered being 60 in 1922. However, after this period, there was a decline in the popularity of the name.
In the mid-20th century, the number of babies named Wellington remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 births per year on average from 1950 to 1980. There were some fluctuations during these years, but generally, the name was not commonly chosen for newborns.
Since the late 20th century, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Wellington. Starting from around 1980, the number of births with this name began to increase steadily. Between 2015 and 2023, there were consistently over 30 births each year with the name Wellington.
Overall, the statistics demonstrate that while the name Wellington has not been extremely popular throughout history, it has experienced periods of increased popularity and is currently enjoying a resurgence in its usage as a baby name in the United States.