Find out how popular the first name Legend has been for the last 31 years (from 1993 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Legend by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Legend is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Legend being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,492 male babies and 47 female babies born with the name Legend.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 47 baby girls were named Legend in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Legend

The given name Legend is a relatively modern English word that has been adopted as a name in recent decades. Its origins can be traced back to the late 16th century, derived from the Latin word "legenda," meaning "a narrative of a life." Originally, the term referred to stories about the lives of saints or religious figures that were intended to be read aloud or studied.

As the English language evolved, the word "legend" took on a more general meaning, referring to a traditional story, often about heroic individuals or events. It became associated with tales of bravery, adventure, and extraordinary accomplishments, passed down through generations.

The earliest recorded examples of Legend as a given name appear in the late 20th century, likely reflecting a desire to imbue a child with a sense of greatness, ambition, and the potential for legendary achievements. While not common in historical records, the name gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in certain cultural or ethnic communities.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the first name Legend is Legend Bowry, a Canadian actor born in 1984. He has appeared in various television shows and movies, including the film "The Tuxedo" alongside Jackie Chan.

Another individual with the name is Legend Wilkerson, an American football player born in 1992. He played as a defensive back for the University of Tennessee and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL).

In the music industry, Legend Siam is a Thai rapper and songwriter born in 1990. He has gained popularity in the Thai hip-hop scene and has released several successful albums and singles.

Legend Ngoepe, born in 1990, is a South African baseball player who made history as the first player from Africa to reach Major League Baseball (MLB) when he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017.

Lastly, Legend Tafa, born in 1995, is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who plays as a striker for Dynamos F.C. in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.

While the name Legend may not have a long historical lineage, its modern usage reflects a desire to celebrate and aspire to greatness, with parents bestowing their children with a name that carries the promise of a legendary future.

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

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

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