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

Popularity of Sir by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sir is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 83 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sir.

The history of the first name Sir

The given name Sir is derived from the Old French word "sire," which in turn originated from the Vulgar Latin "senior," meaning an elder or a person of higher rank or authority. The term gained prominence in medieval Europe, particularly in French-speaking regions, where it was used as a title of respect and honor.

Sir was initially a term of address for men of nobility, such as knights, barons, and lords. It signified their elevated social status and served as a mark of distinction. Over time, the term evolved and became a more general honorific used to address men of significant authority or accomplishment, regardless of their noble lineage.

The earliest recorded use of Sir as a title can be traced back to the 12th century, when it appeared in various literary works, legal documents, and official correspondence. In the medieval period, Sir was often accompanied by the individual's name or title, as in "Sir John" or "Sir Knight."

One of the most famous historical figures associated with the name Sir is Sir Lancelot, the legendary knight of King Arthur's Round Table. Lancelot's character first appeared in the 12th-century French romance "Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart" by Chrétien de Troyes and became a prominent figure in Arthurian literature.

Another notable bearer of the name Sir is Sir Galahad, the purest of the Knights of the Round Table in Arthurian legend. Galahad was the son of Sir Lancelot and was destined to achieve the quest for the Holy Grail, a sacred object in medieval literature.

In the 14th century, Sir Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet and author, gained fame for his literary works, including "The Canterbury Tales." He is often referred to as the "Father of English Literature" and is considered one of the greatest poets of the Middle Ages.

During the Renaissance period, Sir Thomas More, an English lawyer, scholar, and statesman, rose to prominence. He served as Lord Chancellor under King Henry VIII and is known for his work "Utopia," a fictional account of an idealized island society. Sir Thomas More was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1935.

In the 16th century, Sir Walter Raleigh, an English writer, poet, soldier, and explorer, gained renown for his exploits and contributions to the English Renaissance. He was a prominent figure during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and is remembered for his efforts in establishing the first English colony in North America, known as the "Lost Colony of Roanoke."

These are just a few examples of prominent historical figures who bore the name Sir, a title that has been associated with nobility, honor, and distinction throughout the ages.

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

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

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