Find out how popular the first name London has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of London by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, London is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 82% of people named London being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 984 female babies and 203 male babies born with the name London.

The history of the first name London

The given name London is an English name derived from the city of London in England. It is believed to have originated from the Roman name "Londinium," which was the name given to the settlement established on the River Thames in the 1st century AD.

The name "Londinium" is thought to be derived from the Celtic word "Londinion," which means "the place belonging to the bold one." This suggests that the name may have been inspired by a person or a tribe that inhabited the area before the Roman conquest.

The earliest recorded use of the name London as a given name dates back to the late 16th century. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was London Fletcher, who was born in 1580 in Gloucestershire, England.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name London. One of the most famous was London Wits, an English satirist and playwright who lived from 1615 to 1685. He was known for his satirical plays and poems that critiqued the social and political climate of his time.

Another notable individual with the name London was London Ferrill, an American soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was born in 1755 and served as a private in the Continental Army.

In the 19th century, London Brown was a prominent American educator and activist who worked to establish schools for African American children in the post-Civil War era. He was born in 1841 and played a significant role in the advancement of education for marginalized communities.

One of the more recent notable individuals with the name London was London Witte, an American artist and illustrator who lived from 1916 to 2001. He was known for his illustrations in children's books and his work for various magazines and publications.

While the name London is relatively uncommon as a given name, it has a rich history that can be traced back to the ancient Roman settlement on the River Thames. Its meaning and origins reflect the boldness and resilience of the people who inhabited the area, and it has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions throughout history.

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

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

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