Buddy first name popularity, history and meaning

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

Meaning of Buddy

Derived from the English word for "friend" or "comrade".

Popularity of Buddy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Buddy is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Buddy being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 38 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Buddy.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 38 0
2022 32 0
2021 35 0
2020 24 0
2019 18 0
2018 23 0
2017 28 0
2016 28 0
2015 27 0
2014 34 0
2013 23 0
2012 38 0
2011 27 0
2010 22 0
2009 43 0
2008 28 0
2007 32 0
2006 25 0
2005 41 0
2004 37 0
2003 40 0
2002 35 0
2001 36 0
2000 40 0
1999 29 0
1998 44 0
1997 55 0
1996 45 0
1995 41 0
1994 48 0
1993 78 0
1992 65 0
1991 80 0
1990 98 0
1989 97 0
1988 104 0
1987 116 0
1986 121 0
1985 116 0
1984 130 0
1983 138 0
1982 174 0
1981 156 0
1980 139 6
1979 168 0
1978 174 0
1977 185 0
1976 170 0
1975 179 0
1974 174 0

The history of the first name Buddy

The name Buddy has its origins in the English language, originating as a nickname or term of endearment. It is believed to have derived from the Middle English word "bud," which means a close friend or companion.

In the 16th century, the term "buddy" started being used as a friendly address for a male companion or comrade. It was often used among soldiers and sailors, reflecting the strong bonds formed between those who served together. The name's popularity grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Buddy can be found in the 1906 novel "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton, where a character is referred to as "Buddy Dorset." However, it was not commonly used as a given name until the 20th century.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Buddy was Buddy Holly, an American singer-songwriter and pioneer of rock and roll music. Born Charles Hardin Holley in 1936, he was a influential figure in the late 1950s with hits like "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day." Tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash in 1959 at the age of 22.

Another notable Buddy was Buddy Rich, an American jazz drummer and bandleader born in 1917. He was known for his incredible technical skills and was considered one of the greatest drummers of all time. Rich performed with many legendary jazz musicians and led his own big band until his death in 1987 at the age of 69.

In the world of sports, Buddy Ryan (1931-2016) was a successful American football coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears' legendary 1985 defense.

Buddy Ebsen (1908-2003) was an American actor and dancer, most famously known for his role as Jed Clampett in the long-running television series "The Beverly Hillbillies." He had a prolific career spanning over seven decades.

Finally, Buddy Hackett (1924-2003) was an American comedian and actor, known for his roles in films like "The Music Man" and his appearances on various television shows. He was a versatile performer and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

While the name Buddy may have started as a friendly nickname, it has become a popular given name in its own right, with a rich history and numerous notable individuals who have borne it over the years.

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

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

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"Buddy first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 31, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/buddy-meaning-and-history/.

"Buddy first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/buddy-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 31 October, 2024

Buddy first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/buddy-meaning-and-history/.

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