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

Popularity of Dwight by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 61 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dwight.

The history of the first name Dwight

The name Dwight is of Old English origin, derived from the words "deor" meaning "deer" and "wiht" meaning "creature" or "being." It likely emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD. The name was initially used to describe a person with a brave or courageous spirit, likening them to the strength and resilience of a deer.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dwight can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as a surname, indicating its use as a personal name predates this record.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Dwight. One of the most famous was Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, who served from 1953 to 1961. Born in 1890, he was a highly decorated military officer and played a crucial role as the Supreme Allied Commander during World War II.

Another well-known figure was Dwight L. Moody, an American evangelist and publisher who lived from 1837 to 1899. He founded several educational institutions, including the Northfield Seminary for Young Women (now Northfield Mount Hermon School) and the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

In the realm of literature, Dwight Macdonald (1906-1982) was an influential American writer, editor, and social critic known for his contributions to publications like Partisan Review and Politics.

The name Dwight also has ties to the world of sports. Dwight Gooden, born in 1964, was a highly successful Major League Baseball pitcher who played for teams like the New York Mets and the New York Yankees.

Lastly, Dwight Yoakam, born in 1956, is a renowned American singer-songwriter and actor who has made significant contributions to the country music genre, known for his distinctive vocal style and his fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.

These examples illustrate the enduring presence of the name Dwight throughout various epochs and across diverse fields, reflecting its rich historical significance and cultural resonance.

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

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

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