Find out how popular the first name Ledger has been for the last 22 years (from 2002 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ledger by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Ledger is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Ledger being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 516 male babies and 6 female babies born with the name Ledger.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby girls were named Ledger in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Ledger

The name Ledger has its origins in the Old English language, dating back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the Old English word "ledig," which means "cleared land" or "untilled soil." This suggests that the name may have been used to describe someone who lived or worked on cleared land, possibly a farmer or landowner.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ledger can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and wealth in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Ledgarus," likely a variation of the Old English "Ledig."

In the Middle Ages, the name Ledger was relatively uncommon but held some prominence. One notable bearer of the name was Ledger Picard (c. 1280-1343), a French clergyman and philosopher who taught at the University of Paris. He is known for his contributions to the development of nominalism, a philosophical theory that challenged the concept of universal essences.

During the Renaissance period, the name Ledger gained more popularity, particularly in England. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Sir Ledger Compton (1556-1619), an English politician and courtier who served as a member of Parliament and held various offices under Queen Elizabeth I and King James I.

In the 17th century, the name Ledger was associated with the English Civil War. Ledger Morris (1621-1676) was a Royalist officer who fought for King Charles I against the Parliamentarians. He was eventually captured and imprisoned after the Battle of Naseby in 1645.

Another notable bearer of the name Ledger was the English architect and engineer Ledger Delaney (1690-1756). He is best known for his work on the design and construction of several churches and public buildings in London, including the prestigious St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

Throughout history, the name Ledger has been associated with various professions, from clergymen and philosophers to soldiers and architects. While it may have originated as a descriptive name for those who lived or worked on cleared land, it has evolved to become a unique and distinctive first name with a rich historical background.

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

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

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