Find out how popular the first name Governor has been for the last 1 years (from 2011 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Governor by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Governor 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 Governor.

The history of the first name Governor

The name Governor is an English occupational name derived from the Old French word "governeor," which in turn comes from the Latin "gubernator," meaning "steersman" or "pilot." The word can be traced back to the ancient Greek verb "kubernan," meaning "to steer or guide." The name Governor has its origins in medieval Europe, where it was initially used to refer to officials appointed to administer and govern regions or territories on behalf of a higher authority, such as a monarch or a religious institution.

During the medieval period, the title "Governor" held significant power and authority. Governors were often noblemen or high-ranking officials responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and enforcing laws within their designated jurisdictions. The name Governor became associated with individuals who wielded considerable influence and played a crucial role in the governance of their respective domains.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Governor can be found in the historical records of England, where it was used to refer to officials appointed by the monarch to oversee various territories and colonies. For instance, in 1609, Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, was appointed as the first Governor of the Virginia Colony in North America.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Governor. One prominent figure was James Oglethorpe (1696-1785), an English general, philanthropist, and the founder of the colony of Georgia. He served as the colony's first Governor from 1732 to 1743 and played a significant role in the establishment and development of the settlement.

Another famous Governor was George Clinton (1739-1812), an American soldier, politician, and the first Governor of New York from 1777 to 1795. He was also the fourth Vice President of the United States, serving under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

In Australia, Lachlan Macquarie (1762-1824) was a prominent figure who served as the fifth Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821. He is credited with shaping the development of the colony and its transition from a penal settlement to a free society.

William Lonsdale (1799-1864) was another notable Governor, serving as the first Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island (now part of British Columbia, Canada) from 1850 to 1859. He played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the colony during its early years.

The name Governor has a rich historical significance, reflecting the power and authority bestowed upon individuals entrusted with the governance and administration of territories and colonies throughout various periods of history.

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

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