Parish is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. The name derives from the word 'parish', which refers to an ecclesiastical division or district within a county in England. It was originally used as a surname, but has since become popular as a first name, particularly for boys.
The meaning behind the name Parish is closely tied to its origins. In essence, it signifies belonging, community, and unity, reflecting the notion of a parish as a tightly-knit group of people living together in the same area. This could symbolize strength through collective effort or the importance of community ties.
The history of the name Parish dates back to medieval times when it was used as an occupational surname for individuals who worked for the church or were responsible for its upkeep and administration. Over time, it has evolved from a surname into a given name, gaining popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
While Parish may not be one of the most commonly used names today, its uniqueness makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking something different yet meaningful for their child. The name carries with it a sense of history and tradition while also conveying values such as community and belonging.
The name Parish has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with fluctuations in its popularity over time. In the early part of the 20th century, there were years where only a handful of babies were named Parish, such as six births recorded in 1915 and five births in 1923.
However, starting from the mid-20th century, we see an increase in the number of babies named Parish. Between 1961 and 1974, there were consistently around ten to thirty births per year with this name. The peak was reached in 1971, with a total of 28 births.
After the 1970s, the popularity of the name Parish started to decline again. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, there were typically around ten to twenty babies named Parish each year. The highest figure during these decades was 43 births in 1991.
The trend continued into the early 21st century, with a noticeable decrease in the number of babies named Parish. Between 2000 and 2015, there were typically fewer than ten babies named Parish each year, except for a brief spike in popularity in 2016 with 17 births.
More recently, the name Parish has remained relatively uncommon among newborns in the United States. In recent years, there have been between five to twelve births per year with this name, with a total of 894 births recorded since 1915. This data suggests that while Parish was once a more popular choice for parents naming their baby boys, it has since become less common over time.