Find out how popular the first name Mayhem has been for the last 7 years (from 2014 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mayhem by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Mayhem is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mayhem.

The history of the first name Mayhem

The name Mayhem has its origins in the Old English language, specifically from the word "maēnan," which means "to lament" or "to bemoan." It dates back to the 5th century CE and was initially used as a descriptive term for individuals who were known for causing chaos or disorder. The name was particularly prevalent in Anglo-Saxon England, where it was often associated with warriors and those who engaged in battles and conflicts.

Mayhem was not commonly used as a given name until the Middle Ages, when it started to appear in historical records and documents. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mayhem can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is mentioned as a surname of a landowner in Lincolnshire, England. This suggests that the name was already in use during the late 11th century.

In the 13th century, there are references to a knight named Mayhem de Montfort, who fought alongside Simon de Montfort during the Second Barons' War against King Henry III. This historical figure is believed to have been given the name Mayhem due to his fearsome reputation on the battlefield and his propensity for causing chaos and destruction.

During the Renaissance period, the name Mayhem gained further popularity, particularly among writers and artists who were drawn to its evocative and dramatic connotations. One notable figure from this era was Mayhem Marlowe, an English playwright and contemporary of William Shakespeare, who was born in 1564 and died in 1593.

In the 18th century, the name Mayhem was associated with a notorious highwayman known as Mayhem Jack Rann, who terrorized the roads of England between 1735 and 1742. Rann's exploits and daring robberies were widely reported in newspapers and broadsheets of the time, contributing to the name's notoriety.

Another notable figure with the name Mayhem was Mayhem Nightingale, a British nurse who served during the Crimean War in the 1850s. Nightingale was renowned for her bravery and dedication to caring for wounded soldiers, often working in conditions of chaos and turmoil.

While the name Mayhem has a rich historical legacy, it has been relatively uncommon as a given name in modern times. However, it has occasionally been used as a provocative or unconventional choice, reflecting a desire for individuality and a connection to its dramatic and evocative roots.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!