Find out how popular the first name Sire has been for the last 26 years (from 1998 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sire by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Sire is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 125 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sire.

The history of the first name Sire

The given name Sire has its origins in the Old French language, derived from the Latin word "senior," meaning "elder" or "older." It was initially used to address a person of high rank or authority, particularly a lord or ruler.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, the term "sire" was commonly used as a respectful form of address for a monarch, nobleman, or knight. It was a title that conveyed respect and deference to a person of superior social standing.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Sire can be found in the 11th century French epic poem "The Song of Roland," where it is used to address the Frankish emperor Charlemagne. This literary work played a significant role in establishing the use of the name in medieval French literature and culture.

In the 12th century, the name Sire gained further prominence through its association with the legendary King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In the Arthurian legends, the term "sire" was frequently used by the knights to address their king or fellow knights, reflecting the chivalric code of honor and respect.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Sire, although it was more commonly used as a title or honorific than as a given name itself. One example is Sire de Joinville (1224-1317), a French chronicler and biographer of King Louis IX of France.

Another prominent figure was Sire Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1309-1388), a sultan of the Delhi Sultanate in India, who was known for his architectural achievements, including the construction of the Firoz Shah Kotla fortress in Delhi.

In the realm of literature, Sire Thomas Malory (c. 1415-1471) was an English writer best known for compiling the influential work "Le Morte d'Arthur," which brought together various Arthurian legends and stories.

In the world of music, Sire Henry Purcell (1659-1695) was an English composer who made significant contributions to the development of Baroque music, particularly in the genres of opera and church music.

Finally, Sire Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), the renowned Scottish author, is perhaps one of the most famous individuals associated with the name Sire. He is best known for creating the iconic fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. John Watson.

While the name Sire is not commonly used as a given name today, its historical significance and association with nobility, respect, and authority have left an indelible mark on various cultures and literary traditions.

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

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

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