Find out how popular the first name Sovereign has been for the last 20 years (from 2005 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sovereign by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Sovereign is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 52% of people named Sovereign being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 18 male babies and 17 female babies born with the name Sovereign.

The history of the first name Sovereign

The name Sovereign has its origins in the Old French word "soverain," which itself derives from the Latin "superanus," meaning "chief" or "principal." It emerged as a descriptive term for monarchs and rulers in the 12th century. The name's etymology reflects the authority and supremacy associated with royalty and sovereign power.

In medieval Europe, Sovereign was sometimes used as a given name for male children born into royal or noble families. It signified the child's elevated status and the hope that they might one day ascend to a position of authority and leadership. The name was particularly popular among the ruling classes of England, France, and other European monarchies during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Sovereign as a given name dates back to the 13th century. Sovereign de Bohun was an English nobleman born in 1199, descended from the powerful de Bohun family. Another early bearer of the name was Sovereign de Lacy, a 14th-century English knight and landowner.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Sovereign. In the 15th century, Sovereign Hubert was a French philosopher and theologian who taught at the University of Paris. Sovereign Philips, born in 1542, was an English composer and organist who served in the Chapel Royal under Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, Sovereign Sydenham (1624-1689) was an English philosopher and physician who made significant contributions to the study of epidemics and public health. Sovereign Crisp (1633-1700) was an English Puritan writer and preacher known for his religious works and sermons.

A more recent example is Sovereign Ekpu (1889-1976), a Nigerian writer, educator, and activist who played a prominent role in the development of Nigerian literature and the promotion of education in his country.

While not as common today as it once was, the name Sovereign still carries connotations of authority, power, and leadership. Its historical connections to royalty and nobility have imbued it with a sense of distinction and gravitas.

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

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

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