Find out how popular the first name Common has been for the last 1 years (from 2014 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Common by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Common is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Common.

The history of the first name Common

The given name Common is of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "commune," which itself stems from the Old French "comun" and the Latin "communis," meaning "shared" or "common." The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages in England, reflecting the growing use of common nouns as personal names among the lower classes.

Common was a relatively uncommon name in medieval times, with few recorded instances in historical documents. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Common Clerk, a 14th-century scribe and clerk from London, who is mentioned in several legal records from the reign of King Edward III.

The name gained some popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly among Puritan families who favored virtue names or names with biblical connotations. Common was seen as a humble and virtuous name, reflecting the idea of shared community and equality before God.

One notable figure from this period was Common Ploughwright, a 17th-century English farmer and religious dissenter who is remembered for his writings on nonconformist beliefs and his opposition to the established church.

In the 18th century, the name Common saw a resurgence in popularity, particularly among the emerging middle classes in England and the American colonies. Common Sense, a Revolutionary War-era writer and political philosopher, is perhaps the most famous bearer of the name from this period. His influential pamphlet "Common Sense," published in 1776, played a crucial role in galvanizing support for American independence.

Other notable individuals named Common include Common Wealth, an 18th-century English philanthropist and social reformer who advocated for the rights of the poor and the establishment of public schools; Common Soldier, a 19th-century British army officer who served with distinction in the Napoleonic Wars; and Common Law, a 20th-century American jurist and legal scholar known for his influential writings on common law traditions.

Throughout history, the name Common has been associated with ideas of shared community, equality, and the common good. While never a particularly widespread name, it has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and societies.

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

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