Webster is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. Its roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was originally used as an occupational surname for weavers or fullers in England.
The name Webster is derived from the Old English word "webstere" which means "weaver". In medieval times, weaving was a crucial occupation and those who practiced it were highly respected members of society. The term eventually evolved into the surname Webster, which was given to families who made their living by weaving cloth or processing wool.
Over time, the name Webster spread across the Atlantic Ocean and became more common in America. It is now considered an American given name, often used as a middle name, but it can also be found as a first name for both boys and girls.
Despite its historical roots in weaving, there are no specific meanings or symbols associated with the name Webster beyond its occupational origins. However, it has been carried by many notable individuals throughout history, including American politician Daniel Webster and English poet John Webster.
In popular culture, the name Webster has been used in various forms of media, such as the 1980s sitcom "Webster" which focused on a young boy adopted by a white family. This helped to popularize the name among younger generations and contributed to its recognition as a distinctive given name.
Overall, while Webster may not have a specific meaning or symbolism beyond its historical roots in weaving, it remains a unique and interesting choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. Its American origins and connection to history make it a compelling option for those seeking a distinctive moniker with a rich past.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Webster has seen a significant decline in popularity over the past century in the United States.
The peak years for the name Webster were around World War I, with a high of 101 births in 1915. However, even during this period, the name was not exceptionally popular, ranking well below other names of the time.
After World War I, there was a gradual decrease in the number of babies named Webster each year. By the 1930s and 1940s, fewer than 60 babies were named Webster annually. This trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, with fewer than 50 babies being named Webster per year on average.
The name Webster saw another brief spike in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 20 births each year from 1978 to 1984. However, this was short-lived, and the number of babies named Webster dropped significantly again throughout the remainder of the 20th century.
In recent years, the name Webster has become extremely rare in the United States. Since 2000, there have been fewer than 50 births per year on average, with many years seeing only single-digit numbers of babies named Webster. The most recent data from 2023 shows that there were only 8 babies named Webster.
In conclusion, while the name Webster was once moderately popular in the United States over a century ago, it has become increasingly rare in recent decades, with fewer than 17 births per year since the year 2000.