Find out how popular the first name Halcyon has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Halcyon by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Halcyon is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 67% of people named Halcyon being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Halcyon.

It's also interesting to see that despite Halcyon being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Halcyon.

The history of the first name Halcyon

The name Halcyon originates from the Greek word 'halkyōn', meaning a bird known as the kingfisher or halcyon. The halcyon was a fabled bird in ancient Greek legend that nested on the sea and had the ability to calm the winds and waves during the winter solstice period, which became known as the 'halcyon days'.

In Greek mythology, the name Halcyon is associated with the tragic story of Alcyone, the daughter of Aeolus, the god of the winds. After the death of her husband, Ceyx, she threw herself into the sea in grief and was transformed into a halcyon bird by the gods. This myth likely contributed to the connection between the name Halcyon and the idea of tranquility and peace.

The earliest recorded use of the name Halcyon dates back to ancient Greece, where it was used as a feminine name. It is believed that the name was initially used to express a wish for peace and calm, reflecting the symbolism associated with the halcyon bird.

One of the earliest known figures with the name Halcyon was a Greek poet from the 3rd century BC who wrote lyric poetry. However, details about her life and works are scarce.

In the late 16th century, the name Halcyon gained popularity in England, particularly among the upper classes. One notable bearer was Halcyon Martin (1585-1652), an English noblewoman and courtier who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark.

Another historical figure with the name Halcyon was Halcyon St. John (1640-1718), an English landowner and Member of Parliament. She was known for her involvement in various political and legal disputes over inheritance and property rights.

In the 19th century, the name Halcyon was used by the English poet and writer Halcyon Garthorn (1825-1893), who published several works of poetry and prose. Her works often explored themes of nature and spirituality.

The name Halcyon also appears in the writings of several notable authors, such as William Shakespeare, who used the term 'halcyon days' in his play "Henry VI, Part I" to refer to a period of peace and tranquility.

While the name Halcyon has been relatively rare throughout history, it has remained in use as a symbolic name associated with peace, calm, and tranquility, reflecting its origins in Greek mythology and the legend of the halcyon bird.

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

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

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