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

Popularity of Nash by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nash is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Nash being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,328 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Nash.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby girls were named Nash in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Nash

The name Nash originates from the Old English word "ænesc" or "æsc," which means "ash tree." It has been in use as a given name since the 8th century in England and other parts of the Anglo-Saxon world.

The ash tree held significant importance in ancient Germanic and Norse cultures, symbolizing strength, resilience, and the world tree Yggdrasil in Norse mythology. As a result, the name Nash was often associated with these symbolic meanings.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nash can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landowners and property in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears several times, suggesting its widespread use during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nash. One of the most famous was John Nash (1928-2015), an American mathematician and Nobel Laureate known for his groundbreaking work in game theory and his struggles with schizophrenia, which were portrayed in the film "A Beautiful Mind."

Another prominent individual was Beau Nash (1674-1761), an English entrepreneur and Master of Ceremonies in Bath, England, who played a significant role in establishing Bath as a fashionable resort town in the 18th century.

In the realm of literature, Ogden Nash (1902-1971) was an American poet known for his humorous and witty rhymes, such as "The Cow" and "Candy Is Dandy."

In the world of sports, Steve Nash (born 1974) is a retired Canadian professional basketball player who is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won two MVP awards.

Another notable figure was Thomas Nash (1567-1647), an English poet and playwright during the Renaissance period, who was known for his contributions to the development of English drama and his collaborations with playwrights like Thomas Dekker.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Nash, each contributing to various fields and leaving a lasting legacy.

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

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

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