Find out how popular the first name Arend has been for the last 39 years (from 1974 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arend by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Arend is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Arend.

The history of the first name Arend

The name Arend originates from the Dutch language and has its roots in the Old Germanic word "arn," meaning "eagle." It is believed to have emerged as a given name in the Netherlands and neighboring regions during the Middle Ages.

In the early medieval period, the name Arend was closely associated with strength, courage, and nobility, traits often attributed to the majestic eagle. This symbolic connection likely contributed to its popularity among the Dutch nobility and warrior classes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arend can be found in a 12th-century Dutch chronicle, where it refers to a prominent nobleman named Arend van Amstel, who played a significant role in the history of the city of Amsterdam.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Arend. Among them is Arend Dickmann (1554-1629), a renowned Dutch painter and engraver who was influential in the early stages of the Dutch Golden Age of painting. Another notable figure is Arend Fokke Simonsz (1755-1812), a Dutch admiral who served in the Batavian Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.

In the 19th century, Arend Theodoor Bijlsma (1828-1890) was a prominent Dutch lawyer and politician who served as the Minister of Justice in the Netherlands from 1877 to 1879. Arend Lijphart (1936-2011), a renowned Dutch-American political scientist, is also noteworthy for his contributions to the study of consociational democracy and electoral systems.

Arend Hendrik Potgieter (1792-1852), a Voortrekker leader and military commander in the Great Trek of the Boers in South Africa, is another significant figure associated with the name Arend. His leadership played a crucial role in the establishment of the Boer republics in the region.

While the name Arend has its origins in the Netherlands, it has also been adopted and adapted in various cultures and languages over time, reflecting the influence and migration of peoples across regions and continents.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Arend was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Arend, please contact us.

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