Phelps is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "feol" which means "fell" or "mountain". The name is believed to have been originally given as an occupational name to someone who lived near a waterfall or a steep slope.
The history of the surname Phelps can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England. It was brought to America by early settlers, with the first record of the name in North America being in Massachusetts in the 1630s. Today, Phelps is still predominantly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada.
The meaning behind the surname Phelps is not well-documented, but it is believed to be related to its occupational origins. It may have been given to someone who worked near a waterfall or on a steep slope, suggesting that they were hardworking and resilient individuals able to navigate challenging terrain.
While Phelps is primarily used as a surname, it has also been occasionally used as a given name in some cases. However, there is no specific meaning or origin associated with Phelps when used as a first name.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Phelps has had a steady but relatively low prevalence over the years in the United States. From 1918 to 2014, there were a total of 59 births registered with the name Phelps.
The peak years for Phelps as a baby name were 1929 and 1948, with seven births each year. However, these peaks are not exceptionally high compared to other years, suggesting that Phelps was never a particularly popular name during this period.
It's interesting to note the gap in usage between the early-to-mid 20th century (with consistent occurrences from 1918 to 1956) and the more recent years (2012 and 2014), indicating a decline in popularity over time. Despite this, Phelps remains a unique and historic name, having been given to at least five newborns in each of the reported years.
While these statistics might not paint Phelps as a trendsetting baby name, they do highlight its enduring presence throughout much of the 20th century and into the 21st. Each birth represents a family's unique choice, contributing to the rich tapestry of diversity in American naming traditions.