Parrish is a unique and uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Parris or Parish, which was originally an occupational name for a parish priest. The name is also associated with the town of Paris in France, as well as the French word 'paradis', meaning paradise.
The name Parrish has a rich history dating back to medieval England. In the 13th century, the name was recorded as Parreys and Peres in early census records. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Parris, Parish, and eventually Parrish.
In literature, the name Parrish gained popularity through the works of American author John Dos Passos. In his novel "Three Soldiers", one of the main characters is named John Parrish. This exposure may have contributed to the increased use of the name in the United States during the early 20th century.
Today, Parrish remains a rare and distinctive given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only a handful of babies are named Parrish each year in the United States. Despite its rarity, the name continues to appeal to parents who seek unique and meaningful names for their children.
In summary, Parrish is an uncommon English given name with historical roots tracing back to medieval times. It is derived from the surname Parris or Parish, which originated as an occupational name for a parish priest. The name has been used throughout history but remains relatively rare today, making it a unique choice for parents looking for distinctive names for their children.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Parrish has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1961 to 1976, there were consistently low numbers of births with the name Parrish, ranging from a high of 12 births in 1965 and 1971 to a low of 5 births in 1983. There was a notable spike in popularity between 1991 and 1994, with 26 births in 1992 being the highest recorded number during this period.
After 1994, the popularity of the name Parrish began to decline once again. Between 1995 and 2005, there were consistently low numbers of births with the name Parrish, ranging from a high of 13 births in 1998 to a low of 6 births in 2009.
Since 2009, the popularity of the name Parrish has remained relatively stable, with an average of around 7-9 births per year. However, there have been some fluctuations in popularity during this time, with a high of 12 births recorded in 2017 and a low of 5 births recorded in both 2016 and 2019.
In total, there have been 478 births with the name Parrish recorded in the United States since 1961. While this is not an extremely high number, it does indicate that the name has maintained some level of popularity over the years. It will be interesting to see how the trend continues in future years.