Find out how popular the first name Iron has been for the last 42 years (from 1978 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iron by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Iron 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 Iron.

The history of the first name Iron

The name Iron has its roots in the Old English word "iren" or "isern", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "isarnan". This word ultimately stems from the Proto-Indo-European root "is", meaning "strong" or "holy". The name Iron is believed to have originated in Anglo-Saxon England during the early medieval period, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Iron can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript from 1086 AD that surveyed landowners in England. The name appeared as a surname, indicating that it was likely used as a given name before that time. The name may have been given to children born during times of war or conflict, or to those who displayed strength and resilience from a young age.

In ancient Norse mythology, there are references to the deity Ironsides, a name given to the god Thor due to his association with strength and protection. This connection could have influenced the use of the name Iron in areas with Norse cultural influence.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Iron was Iron Acton (c. 1285 - 1347), an English landowner and knight who served under King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War. Another historical figure named Iron was Iron Mudd (c. 1615 - 1689), a prominent English Quaker and early settler in colonial America.

In the 19th century, Iron Jacket (c. 1817 - 1879) was a respected chief of the Blackfeet Native American tribe, known for his leadership and involvement in negotiations with the United States government. Iron Cloud (1837 - 1926) was a Sioux warrior and chief who fought against the United States Army in several battles, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.

More recently, Iron Eyes Cody (1904 - 1999), an Italian-American actor, portrayed Native American characters in numerous Western films and television shows throughout the 20th century, despite not being of Native American descent himself.

While the name Iron is not as common today as it once was, its historical roots and associations with strength, resilience, and protection have made it a unique and memorable name throughout various cultures and time periods.

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

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

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