Find out how popular the first name Shaft has been for the last 23 years (from 1974 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shaft by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Shaft is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shaft.

The history of the first name Shaft

The name Shaft has its origins in the Old English word "sceaft," which means a shaft or a pole. It likely began as a descriptive name referring to someone who worked with long, cylindrical objects like spears, arrows, or shafts of light. Over time, the name evolved into its modern spelling.

In the Middle Ages, the name Shaft appeared in various historical records and documents. One of the earliest recorded instances is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a landowner named Sceftan is mentioned. This suggests that Shaft or similar spellings were in use as early as the 11th century in England.

The name Shaft also has some literary references. In the epic poem "Beowulf," written between the 8th and 11th centuries, there is a character named Sceft, which is believed to be a variation of the name Shaft. This indicates that the name had gained recognition and usage in Anglo-Saxon literature.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Shaft. One of the earliest recorded was Shaft of Battersea, a 12th-century English monk and chronicler who wrote about the life of St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170).

In the 16th century, Shaft Bullock (1520-1578) was an English politician and Member of Parliament known for his involvement in the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots.

During the 17th century, Shaft Jefferies (1635-1702) was an English politician and judge who served as Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

In the 18th century, Shaft Wilson (1714-1782) was a Scottish military officer and diplomat who served as the Governor of Gibraltar.

In more recent times, one of the most famous individuals with the name Shaft was John Shaft, the fictional character portrayed by Richard Roundtree in the 1971 blaxploitation film "Shaft" and its sequels.

While the name Shaft is not as common today as it once was, it has a rich history that spans centuries and has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including monks, politicians, military officers, and even a iconic fictional character.

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

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

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