Find out how popular the first name Ketch has been for the last 20 years (from 2005 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ketch by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Ketch is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ketch.

The history of the first name Ketch

The name Ketch is believed to have its origins in the Old English language, with roots that can be traced back to the early medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "cæcc," which means "catch" or "seize." This word likely evolved from the Proto-Germanic root "*kak-," which had a similar meaning.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Ketch can be found in the Domesday Book, a medieval census commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Kecche," referring to a landowner in the county of Somerset. This suggests that the name was already in use among the Anglo-Saxon population of England before the Norman Conquest.

In the 16th century, the name Ketch gained some notoriety due to its association with a type of sailing vessel known as a "ketch." This two-masted ship, with a main mast and a shorter mizzen mast, was widely used for coastal trading and fishing. It is possible that the name of the ship derived from the Old English word "cæcc," as these vessels were designed to "catch" or "seize" the wind efficiently.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ketch was Richard Ketch, an English sailor and explorer who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. In 1607, he accompanied Captain John Smith on his expedition to the New World, where they established the Jamestown colony in Virginia.

Another notable figure with the name Ketch was Jack Ketch, the infamous English executioner who lived from 1663 to 1686. He was the hangman at the execution of several high-profile individuals, including the Duke of Monmouth and Lord William Russell. His name became synonymous with the executioner's profession, and the term "Jack Ketch" was used as a general term for hangmen.

In the 18th century, Ketch Byram, an American sailor and privateer, gained fame for his exploits during the American Revolutionary War. Born in 1753 in Massachusetts, he commanded several privateering vessels and captured numerous British merchant ships, contributing to the American war effort.

In the 19th century, Ketch Calkins, an American frontiersman and mountain man, was known for his adventures in the Rocky Mountains. Born in 1822 in New York, he spent much of his life trapping and exploring the western territories of the United States.

Lastly, Ketch Secor, born in 1977, is a contemporary American musician and singer, best known as the lead vocalist and fiddle player for the Americana band Old Crow Medicine Show. His unique first name, Ketch, has helped him stand out in the music industry.

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

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

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