The name Autumn is a modern English word derived from the Latin word "autumnus", which means "the fall season". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "au-" meaning "to become cool or dry". The name itself did not come into use until the 16th century, when it began to be used as a symbolic name representing the fall season.

The earliest recorded use of Autumn as a given name dates back to the late 16th century. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Autumn Bradstreet, an English poet born in 1612. She was one of the first published writers in the British North American colonies and is considered an important figure in the history of American literature.

In the 17th century, the name Autumn gained some popularity among Puritan families in colonial New England, who often chose names with symbolic meanings inspired by nature or the seasons. One notable bearer from this time was Autumn Hayne, born in 1667 in Massachusetts Bay Colony, who later became a respected midwife and herbalist.

The name remained relatively uncommon until the late 20th century, when it experienced a surge in popularity, likely influenced by the increasing trend of using nature-inspired names. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Autumn Jackson, an American actress born in 1976, known for her roles in several popular films and television shows.

Another notable figure with the name Autumn was Autumn Graves, an American artist and sculptor born in 1935, who was celebrated for her large-scale public art installations and environmental sculptures. Her works can be found in museums and public spaces across the United States.

In the world of literature, Autumn Deshields was an African American writer and poet born in 1962, whose works explored themes of identity, race, and the African American experience. Her poetry collections, including "Autumn Leaves" and "Autumn's Embrace", received critical acclaim and numerous awards.

While the name Autumn was initially associated with the fall season and nature, it has since transcended its symbolic roots and is now widely used as a given name for both literary and personal reasons, reflecting the changing attitudes towards naming conventions over time.