Misty first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Misty has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Misty

A feminine name derived from the English word for a fine atmospheric mist.

Popularity of Misty by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Misty is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Misty being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 36 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Misty.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024036
2023025
2022023
2021032
2020037
2019034
2018035
2017040
2016043
2015052
2014064
2013040
2012066
2011076
2010067
20090103
2008085
2007092
20060111
20050136
20040129
20030164
20020166
20010199
20000242
19990241
19980307
19970325
19960369
19950412
19940488
19930598
19920741
19910941
19900996
198981,218
198801,408
198781,712
198661,971
198592,414
1984142,792
1983113,188
1982104,071
1981144,799
1980205,542
1979275,785
1978205,834
1977186,315
1976205,905
1975165,553

The history of the first name Misty

The name Misty has its roots in the English language and is derived from the Old English word "mist," which means a thin, condensed water vapor suspended in the air. This name evokes a sense of mystery, ethereality, and a connection to nature's elements.

Misty as a given name gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Its appeal lies in its whimsical and poetic nature, often associated with the hazy, dreamy quality of morning mists or the atmospheric presence of fog.

While the name itself does not have a direct historical reference in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been embraced by various individuals throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Misty can be found in the late 19th century, with the birth of Misty de Burgh (1887-1970), an American actress and singer who performed on Broadway and in vaudeville shows.

Another notable figure with the name Misty was Misty Morgan (1919-2011), an American actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her career spanned several decades, and she was known for her performances in musicals and comedies.

In the realm of sports, Misty Hyman (born 1979) is a former American competitive swimmer who won a gold medal in the 200-meter butterfly event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Her victory was considered a major upset, as she defeated the heavily favored Australian swimmer Susie O'Neill.

In the world of literature, Misty Massey (born 1955) is an American author and editor known for her work in the fantasy and science fiction genres. She has published numerous novels and short stories, exploring themes of magic, adventure, and the power of imagination.

Another figure worth mentioning is Misty Upham (1982-2014), a Native American actress and activist who appeared in several films, including "Frozen River" and "August: Osage County." She was a passionate advocate for indigenous rights and environmental causes.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Misty throughout history, each adding their unique contributions and leaving a lasting impact in their respective fields.

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

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

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