Find out how popular the first name Bellamy has been for the last 31 years (from 1993 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bellamy by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Bellamy is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 58% of people named Bellamy being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 347 male babies and 330 female babies born with the name Bellamy.

It's also interesting to see that despite Bellamy being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Bellamy.

The history of the first name Bellamy

The name Bellamy is of French origin, derived from the combination of the words "belle" meaning "beautiful" and "ami" meaning "friend." It was initially used as a surname during the Middle Ages, likely emerging in the 12th or 13th century.

While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, it is believed to have arisen as a descriptive nickname or as a reference to a person's character or physical appearance. The name may have been bestowed upon someone considered a beautiful or cherished friend.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bellamy can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as a surname, indicating its usage during that era.

In the 14th century, the name Bellamy appeared in several literary works, including Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." Chaucer featured a character named "Bellamy" in his iconic work, further solidifying the name's presence in the English language.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bellamy. One such person was Jacobus Bellamy (1757-1786), a Dutch-born painter known for his landscapes and portraits. Another notable figure was Edward Bellamy (1850-1898), an American writer and advocate for social reform, best known for his utopian novel "Looking Backward."

In the realm of literature, the name Bellamy is associated with Edward Bellamy (1850-1898), the author of the influential utopian novel "Looking Backward." His work explored societal issues and proposed a vision of an ideal society, inspiring subsequent writers and thinkers.

The name also gained prominence in the world of acting and entertainment. Actors such as Ralph Bellamy (1904-1991), an American actor known for his roles in films like "His Girl Friday" and "The Awful Truth," and Ned Bellamy (1925-2005), a British actor best known for his role in the television series "Upstairs, Downstairs," carried the name Bellamy.

Another notable figure was Joseph Bellamy (1719-1790), an American Congregationalist minister and theologian known for his influential sermons and theological writings, which played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of colonial New England.

These examples illustrate the historical presence and cultural significance of the name Bellamy, which has been borne by individuals across various fields, including art, literature, acting, and religion, over several centuries.

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

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

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