Find out how popular the first name Phelps has been for the last 3 years (from 2012 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Phelps by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Phelps is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Phelps.

The history of the first name Phelps

The name Phelps is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English word "felp" or "felept," meaning "fieldlap" or "plowed land." The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon period, which spanned from the 5th to the 11th century.

In ancient times, the name Phelps was likely used as a surname to identify individuals who lived or worked on a particular piece of farmland. It may have been a descriptive name given to those who were associated with agriculture or land cultivation.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Phelps can be traced back to the 13th century in various historical documents and records from England. One of the earliest known individuals with the name was John Phelps, who was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1230.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Phelps. One of the most famous was William Phelps (1599-1672), an early settler of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a founder of Windsor, Connecticut. He played a significant role in the establishment of colonial settlements in New England.

Another prominent figure was Phelps Dudbridge (1801-1890), an English manufacturer and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the town of Stroud, Gloucestershire. He established several schools and charitable institutions in the area.

In the field of literature, William Walter Phelps (1839-1894) was an American diplomat, lawyer, and author. He served as a member of the United States Congress and later as the United States Minister to Germany.

In the realm of sports, Michael Phelps (born 1985) is undoubtedly one of the most renowned individuals with this name. He is an American former competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 medals, including 23 gold medals.

Another notable figure was William Lyon Phelps (1865-1943), an American author, critic, and professor of English literature at Yale University. He was widely known for his popular lectures and writings on literature and culture.

While the name Phelps has its origins in the Old English language and was initially used as a surname, it has gained popularity as a given name over the centuries. The name has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including settlers, manufacturers, diplomats, authors, and athletes, contributing to its rich historical significance.

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

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

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