Find out how popular the first name Flash has been for the last 6 years (from 2014 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Flash by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Flash is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Flash.

The history of the first name Flash

The name Flash is a relatively modern invention, likely originating as a nickname or shortened form of the word "flashy" in English. It first gained popularity in the 20th century, possibly inspired by the fictional superhero character of the same name created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert for DC Comics in 1940.

While the name Flash does not have a direct etymological root in ancient languages or cultures, it can be traced back to the Old English word "flæsc," meaning "to flash or blaze." This word eventually evolved into the modern English term "flash," which refers to a sudden burst of light or a brief, brilliant display.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Flash can be found in the 1956 novel "Flash for Freedom!" by George MacDonald Fraser, which tells the story of a young slave named Harry Flash during the American Civil War. However, it is unclear whether the author coined the name or if it was already in use as a given name at that time.

Throughout the 20th century, the name Flash gained popularity, particularly in the United States, likely influenced by the iconic comic book character, The Flash. One notable bearer of the name was Flash Elorde, a Filipino professional boxer and actor born in 1935, who was given the name due to his lightning-fast punching speed.

Another famous individual named Flash was Flash Gordon, a fictional comic strip character created by Alex Raymond in 1934. Although not a real person, the character's name has become a cultural icon and has likely contributed to the recognition and popularity of the name Flash.

In the realm of sports, Flash Gordon Parks, an American professional basketball player born in 1939, was known for his speed and agility on the court, earning him the nickname "Flash." Additionally, Flash Rosser, an American professional wrestler born in 1938, was a prominent figure in the world of wrestling, known for his dynamic in-ring performances.

While the name Flash may not have a deep historical or cultural significance, its modern popularity can be attributed to its association with speed, energy, and the fictional superhero character that has captured the imaginations of generations of readers and viewers.

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

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

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