Find out how popular the first name Racer has been for the last 16 years (from 2004 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Racer by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Racer is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Racer.

The history of the first name Racer

The name Racer is an English word of modern origin, believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is derived from the verb "to race," which means to move swiftly or compete in a contest of speed. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who excelled in racing or exhibited exceptional speed, either in sports or other activities.

While the name Racer itself does not have a deep historical lineage or roots in ancient cultures, it reflects the modern fascination with speed, competition, and athletic prowess. The rise of motorsports, particularly automobile racing, during the early 20th century may have contributed to the popularization of this name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Racer can be found in the 1910 United States Census, where a handful of individuals were listed with this first name. However, it remained relatively uncommon until the latter half of the 20th century.

A notable early bearer of the name Racer was Racer Lewis (1875-1948), an American basketball player and coach. He was a member of the inaugural team of the Buffalo Germans, a professional basketball club in the early 1900s.

Another individual with the name Racer was Racer X (born Harold Radnor, 1903-1982), a famous stunt driver and racing consultant in Hollywood films. He performed daring stunts in movies and helped choreograph thrilling racing sequences, contributing to the glamour and excitement of car chase scenes.

In the world of literature, Racer Fitch was a fictional character created by author John D. MacDonald in his novel "The Green Ripper" (1979). Racer Fitch was a former race car driver turned private investigator, reflecting the association of the name with speed and adventure.

More recently, Racer Rodriguez (born 1980) is a Mexican professional racing driver who has competed in various motorsports events, including the IndyCar Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Another notable individual with the name Racer is Racer Stevenson (born 1975), an Australian former professional rugby league player who played for several clubs in the National Rugby League competition.

While the name Racer may not have a long historical lineage, it captures the spirit of speed, competition, and the thrill of racing, reflecting the modern fascination with these themes in sports and popular culture.

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

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

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