Find out how popular the first name Banks has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Banks by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Banks is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Banks being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 938 male babies and 79 female babies born with the name Banks.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 79 baby girls were named Banks in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Banks

The name Banks is an English given name derived from the Old English word "banc," which referred to a ridge, slope, or embankment. It has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon period and was initially used as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a hillside or riverbank.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Banks can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landholdings and resources in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appears as a surname in this document, indicating its usage as a descriptive identifier for people living near such geographical features.

During the Middle Ages, the name Banks gained popularity as a given name, particularly among families residing in rural areas or near bodies of water. It was often bestowed upon children as a reflection of their family's connection to the land or as a nod to their place of origin.

In literature, the name Banks appears in several notable works, including the 14th-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," where it is mentioned as the surname of one of the characters. This suggests its widespread usage as a surname during the medieval period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the given name Banks. One prominent example is Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), an English naturalist and botanist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Banks made significant contributions to the field of botany and played a crucial role in the exploration and documentation of new plant species.

Another famous bearer of the name is Banks Woodfork McFadden (1836-1924), a Confederate officer during the American Civil War who later became a prominent lawyer and politician in Tennessee. He served as the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives and was actively involved in the state's political affairs.

In the realm of music, Banks Bayes (1923-2012) was an American jazz drummer and composer known for his innovative rhythmic styles and collaborations with prominent artists such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Additionally, Banks Jenkinson (1924-2016) was a British actor and writer best known for his roles in the Carry On film series and his contributions to BBC radio comedies.

Finally, Banks White (1936-1999) was an American professional basketball player who spent several seasons in the NBA, playing for teams like the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers.

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 Banks was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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