Lancelot is a name of French origin that has a rich history and meaning. It is derived from the Old French word "Lancelot," which in turn comes from the Germanic elements "land" meaning "land" and "leod" meaning "people." Thus, Lancelot can be interpreted as "land of the people."
The name Lancelot gained popularity through the Arthurian legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. In this legend, Sir Lancelot du Lac is a prominent character who was one of the most skilled knights and a close friend and confidant of King Arthur. He played a significant role in many adventures and battles alongside the other knights.
The name Lancelot has been used in various forms throughout history, including as a given name and surname. Today, it continues to be associated with the ideals of chivalry, bravery, and loyalty due to its connection to the Arthurian legend.
In literature and popular culture, Lancelot has appeared in numerous works inspired by the Arthurian legend, such as Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur," Chrétien de Troyes' poems, and even in modern retellings like Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon." The name also appears in other literary works where it is used to evoke a sense of romance, adventure, or chivalry.
Overall, the name Lancelot is a powerful and historic one that carries with it associations of bravery, loyalty, and noble ideals. Its meaning and origins provide insight into its enduring appeal throughout history.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the birth frequency of the name Lancelot in the United States from 1908 to 2023.
The name Lancelot has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the past century. The earliest data available starts in 1908 with 5 births, and this figure remains consistent until 1924. However, there is a noticeable increase in the number of births starting from 1972, reaching a peak in 1984 with 18 births.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the name Lancelot maintained a consistent level of popularity, with birth numbers typically ranging between 5 to 16 per year. This trend continues into the early 2000s, with over 10 births annually from 2000 to 2007.
However, in recent years, the popularity of the name Lancelot has decreased somewhat. From 2008 onwards, the number of births per year is generally lower than the peak years of the late 1980s and early 1990s, with most years seeing between 5 to 14 births annually.
In total, over the period from 1908 to 2023, there have been a combined 618 births of children named Lancelot in the United States. This indicates that while the name has not consistently ranked among the most popular choices for parents, it has maintained a steady presence throughout history.