Find out how popular the first name Sonder has been for the last 4 years (from 2020 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sonder by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Sonder is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sonder.

The history of the first name Sonder

The name Sonder is a relatively new coinage, originating from the English language in the 21st century. It is not a traditional given name and does not have a long historical lineage like many other names.

Sonder was coined by the American novelist John Koenig in his 2012 Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, where he defined it as "the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own." The word is intended to capture the profound feeling of recognizing the richness of individual human experiences beyond one's own perspective.

While the name itself is a modern invention, the concept it represents has been explored by philosophers, writers, and thinkers throughout history. The notion of recognizing the depth and complexity of human experiences outside one's own is a recurring theme in literature, art, and philosophical discourse.

Since its coinage, the name Sonder has gained some popularity as a given name, particularly among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. However, due to its recent origin, there are no historical figures or notable individuals from earlier eras who bore this name.

In contemporary times, a few individuals have adopted Sonder as their given name or chosen to use it as a pen name or stage name. For example, Sonder Rivkah is an American singer-songwriter born in the late 20th century, and Sonder Ren is a Canadian artist and illustrator active in the 2010s.

While the name Sonder lacks a deep historical background, it encapsulates a profound concept that has resonated with many people in recent years. Its popularization as a given name reflects a desire for names with unique and meaningful connotations, even if they do not have a long-standing tradition.

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

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

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