Find out how popular the first name Erskine has been for the last 38 years (from 1974 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Erskine by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Erskine is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Erskine.

The history of the first name Erskine

The given name Erskine originated from the Scottish Gaelic language and has its roots in the ancient Clan Erskine, one of the most prominent noble families in Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic words "iar" meaning "west" and "sgiath" meaning "wing" or "shelter," suggesting a connection to the western territories under the clan's protection.

The earliest recorded use of the name Erskine dates back to the 12th century, when it was associated with the influential Erskine family who held substantial lands and power in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages, with several notable individuals bearing it.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Erskine was Sir Thomas Erskine (1750-1823), a Scottish lawyer and politician who served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. He was renowned for his eloquence and legal acumen, and played a pivotal role in the defense of free speech and civil liberties.

Another prominent figure was Ebenezer Erskine (1680-1754), a Scottish minister and one of the founders of the Secession Church in Scotland. He was a influential preacher and a leader in the evangelical revival movement of the 18th century.

In the realm of literature, John Erskine (1879-1951) was an American educator, author, and literary critic. He served as the president of the Juilliard School of Music and authored several notable works, including "The Kinds of Poetry" and "The Delight of Great Books."

The name Erskine also has connections to the military. Ralph Erskine (1914-2005) was a British Army officer who served in World War II and later became a successful writer, penning books such as "The Borrowed Years" and "The Road to Mandalay."

In the world of sports, Erskine Palmer (1898-1981) was an American professional baseball player who played as a catcher in the Major League Baseball. He was part of the Philadelphia Athletics team that won the World Series in 1929 and 1930.

While the name Erskine may have its roots in Scotland, it has since been embraced by various cultures and societies, carrying with it a rich history and a sense of nobility and distinction.

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

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

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