Piers is a masculine given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French word "Pierres," which means "pebbles" or "small rocks." The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has been used in Britain ever since.
In medieval times, Piers was a popular name for characters in literature. One of the most notable examples is the protagonist of the Middle English poem "Piers Plowman," written by William Langland in the late 14th century. The poem explores themes of morality and social justice through the adventures of Piers, who represents an ideal Christian life.
The name Piers has been used by several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Sir Piers Legh (1546-1601), a Lancashire gentleman and MP who played a significant role in the resistance against the Spanish Armada in 1588. Another notable bearer of the name is Piers Gaveston, a favorite of King Edward II of England and the first Earl of Cornwall.
Today, Piers continues to be used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. While it may not be as common as some other names, it remains a distinctive and historic choice for parents looking for a name with Norman roots and literary significance.
Based on the statistical data provided, the name Piers has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. The first recorded birth of a child named Piers was in 1952, with only 5 such births that year.
The number of babies named Piers fluctuated greatly from decade to decade. In the 80s and 90s, there were periods where the number of births increased notably, reaching a peak of 10 births in 2007. However, these peaks were followed by drops, such as the 6 births recorded in 2006.
The most recent data shows that the popularity of the name Piers has been steadily increasing since 2011, with a notable spike in 2013 where there were 20 births. This trend continued until recently, with 11 births recorded in 2022 and a slight dip to 5 births in 2023.
Over the entire period from 1952 to 2023, there have been a total of 285 babies named Piers born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not be one of the most popular, it has maintained a consistent presence over several decades.