Disney first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Disney has been for the last 33 years (from 1989 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Disney

A coined name inspired by the French surname Disney, referring to a fantasy world of animation and imagination.

Popularity of Disney by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Disney is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Disney being female.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Disney.

Year Male Count Female Count
2021 0 6
2020 0 7
2018 0 7
2016 0 7
2015 0 10
2014 0 6
2012 0 5
2011 0 7
2010 0 9
2009 0 12
2006 0 7
2005 0 7
2004 0 9
2002 0 5
2001 0 5
2000 0 6
1999 0 7
1998 0 7
1996 0 7
1994 0 5
1993 5 5
1989 0 5

The history of the first name Disney

The name Disney is believed to have originated from the Old English word "disneo," which means "island of prayer." It first appeared in written records around the 9th century CE, referring to a small island off the coast of present-day Cornwall, England. This island was home to a small monastery and was known for its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

In the 11th century, the name Disney began to be used as a surname for individuals who either lived on or had some connection to the island. Over time, it evolved into a given name, particularly among families with ties to the region.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Disney was a monk named Disney of Glastonbury, who lived in the late 12th century. He was known for his writings on monastic life and his contributions to the Glastonbury Abbey.

In the 16th century, a man named Disney Robartes was a prominent figure in the English court of Queen Elizabeth I. He served as a diplomat and was known for his skill in negotiating treaties and resolving conflicts.

During the 17th century, a woman named Disney Shelton gained recognition as a poet and playwright. Her works often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

In the 19th century, Disney Hawkins was a renowned explorer and naturalist who traveled extensively throughout Africa and Asia. His detailed accounts and illustrations of the flora and fauna he encountered made significant contributions to the field of natural history.

Another notable figure with the name Disney was Disney Leith, a Scottish engineer and inventor who lived in the late 19th century. He is credited with developing several groundbreaking innovations in steam engine technology.

While the name Disney has its roots in ancient England, it has been adopted and used in various cultures and regions around the world over the centuries. Its association with spirituality, exploration, and creativity has endured, making it a unique and intriguing name with a rich historical tapestry.

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

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

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"Disney first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 25, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/disney-meaning-and-history/.

"Disney first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/disney-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 25 April, 2025

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

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