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

Popularity of Fletcher by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Fletcher is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Fletcher being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 436 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Fletcher.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby girls were named Fletcher in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Fletcher

The name Fletcher has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "flechier," which means "maker of arrows" or "fletcher." The name first emerged during the Middle Ages, around the 12th century, when the profession of making arrows and other archery equipment was a significant occupation.

During the medieval period, the name Fletcher was primarily used as a surname to identify individuals involved in the trade of arrow-making. However, over time, it transitioned into being used as a masculine given name as well. The name gained popularity across various regions of England and was commonly found in areas known for their skilled archers and bowmen.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Fletcher can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation commissioned by William the Conquer in 1086. This historical document mentions individuals with the surname "Flechere," indicating the presence of arrow-makers in various parts of England during that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Fletcher. One prominent figure was John Fletcher (1579-1625), an English playwright and collaborator with William Shakespeare. He is best known for his contributions to the Renaissance theatre and plays such as "The Maid's Tragedy" and "Philaster."

Another notable bearer of the name was Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun (1653-1716), a Scottish writer, politician, and patriot known for his influential works on political theory and his advocacy for Scottish independence.

In the field of mathematics, Robert Fletcher (1823-1912) was a British mathematician and academic who made significant contributions to the study of algebra and geometry. He served as a professor at the University of Cambridge and authored several influential textbooks.

During the American Civil War, Fletcher Webster (1849-1888) was a notable figure. He was the son of Daniel Webster, a renowned American statesman, and served as a colonel in the Union Army, participating in several major battles.

In more recent history, Fletcher Henderson (1897-1952) was an influential American pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. He played a crucial role in the development of big band jazz and swing music during the 1920s and 1930s, and his band was a major influence on many legendary musicians, including Duke Ellington.

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

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

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