Find out how popular the first name East has been for the last 6 years (from 2018 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of East by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, East is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named East being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name East.

The history of the first name East

The name East is an English word that originated as a directional term referring to the cardinal direction of the rising sun. It is derived from the Old English word "east," which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic "austra-," meaning "toward the sunrise." The name's origins can be traced back to the early medieval period in Britain and other Germanic regions.

One of the earliest recorded uses of East as a given name can be found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions an individual named "East" who owned land in the county of Wiltshire. This suggests that the name was already in use as a personal name by the late 11th century.

In the Middle Ages, East was occasionally used as a surname, particularly among families living in the eastern regions of England. However, its use as a first name remained relatively rare until the 19th century, when it experienced a modest revival as a masculine given name, possibly inspired by the romanticized notion of the exotic "East" in the context of European colonial expansion.

Notable historical figures with the first name East include East Lynne (1802-1879), an American actress and theatre manager who was one of the most celebrated performers of her time. Another was East Apthorp (1733-1816), a British-born Episcopal clergyman and missionary who played a significant role in the early days of the American Episcopal Church.

In the 20th century, East Coker (1888-1962) was an English poet and writer who was a member of the influential Imagist group and is best known for his contributions to modernist poetry. East Harar (1910-1988) was an Ethiopian nobleman and military officer who played a pivotal role in the resistance against the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930s.

More recently, East Brickell (1939-2019) was an American architect and urban planner who was instrumental in shaping the skyline of Miami, Florida, and was known for his innovative and sustainable designs.

While not a common name, East has been used sporadically throughout history, often reflecting a connection to geographical or cultural associations with the concept of the "East." Its unique and directional quality has made it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.

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

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

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