Find out how popular the first name Handy has been for the last 43 years (from 1974 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Handy by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Handy is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Handy being male.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Handy.

The history of the first name Handy

The given name Handy is an English diminutive form of the name Handsome. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "handsum," which meant "easy to handle" or "dexterous." This word eventually evolved into the modern English word "handsome," which took on the meaning of "good-looking" or "attractive."

While the name Handy itself is not found in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its root, "handsum," appears in various Middle English literary works from the 13th to 15th centuries. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Handy can be found in the 16th century, when it was used as a nickname or diminutive form of Handsome.

One of the earliest known individuals with the first name Handy was Handy Trent, an English politician and member of parliament who lived in the late 16th century. Another notable figure was Handy Williamson, an American businessman and politician from the early 19th century, who served as the seventh Governor of Pennsylvania from 1819 to 1823.

In the realm of literature, Handy Blackburn was an English author and poet who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is best known for his collection of poems titled "The Minstrel's Offering."

Moving to the world of sports, Handy Dandy was the nickname of American baseball player William Handiboe, who played in the major leagues in the late 19th century. He earned this nickname due to his small stature and agility on the field.

Lastly, Handy Lockhart was a Scottish-born American actor and director active in the early 20th century. He appeared in numerous silent films and directed several motion pictures during the 1910s and 1920s.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the given name Handy, highlighting its long-standing presence and varied cultural and professional backgrounds of those who have carried this name.

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

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

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