Find out how popular the first name Slayer has been for the last 1 years (from 2017 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A fierce, powerful name associated with the act of killing or destroying.
Based on the last 1 years of data, Slayer is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Slayer.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2017 | 6 | 0 |
The name Slayer is derived from the Old English word "slæġere," which means "striker" or "smiter." It was originally used to refer to someone who killed or slaughtered animals, particularly in the context of hunting or farming. The name dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, which lasted from the 5th to the 11th centuries.
In ancient times, the name Slayer was sometimes used as a title or epithet for fierce warriors or skilled hunters. It was a name that carried a sense of power and prowess, reflecting the brutal nature of combat and the challenges of survival in those eras. While the name was not commonly used as a given name during this period, it appeared in some historical records and chronicles as a descriptor or nickname.
The earliest recorded instance of Slayer as a given name dates back to the 12th century, when a knight named Slayer of Hastings was mentioned in the chronicles of the Norman conquest of England. Slayer of Hastings was known for his skill in battle and his fearsome reputation on the battlefield.
Another notable figure who bore the name Slayer was a 14th-century English archer named Slayer Longbow. Longbow was renowned for his exceptional archery skills and is said to have played a crucial role in the English victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
In the 16th century, a Scottish clan leader named Slayer MacLeod was known for his fierce leadership and his clan's prowess in battle. The MacLeod clan was one of the most powerful and influential clans in the Scottish Highlands during this period.
During the 17th century, a Dutch explorer and adventurer named Slayer van Riebeeck gained fame for his daring explorations and encounters with indigenous peoples in the Americas and Africa. Van Riebeeck's journals and accounts of his travels were widely read and helped to shape European perceptions of the "new world" at the time.
In the 19th century, an American frontiersman and legendary bear hunter named Slayer Crockett became a folk hero for his exploits in the wilderness and his skill as a marksman. Crockett's adventures were popularized in various books and stories, cementing his reputation as a rugged and fearless outdoorsman.
While the name Slayer has largely fallen out of common use as a given name in modern times, it continues to evoke a sense of power, strength, and dominance, reflecting its origins as a descriptor of those who possessed exceptional skills in hunting, combat, and survival.
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 Slayer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Slayer first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/slayer-meaning-and-history/.
"Slayer first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/slayer-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 May, 2025
Slayer first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/slayer-meaning-and-history/.
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