Find out how popular the first name Thorne has been for the last 37 years (from 1987 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Thorne by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Thorne is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Thorne.

The history of the first name Thorne

The name Thorne has its origins in the Old English language, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. It is derived from the Old English word "þorn," which means "thorn" or "prickly bush." This name was likely given to individuals who lived near a thorny thicket or bush.

The earliest recorded use of the name Thorne can be traced back to the 11th century. In the Domesday Book, a survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, there are several references to places named "Thorne" or "Thornhill," indicating the presence of people bearing this name.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Thorne was Robert de Thorne, a 13th-century English cleric and chronicler. He was a monk at the Abbey of St. Albans and is best known for his chronicle, which covers the period from the reign of King Stephen to the early years of Edward I.

In the 14th century, William Thorne, an English Benedictine monk and historian, wrote a chronicle of the Abbey of St. Augustine in Canterbury. His work provides valuable insights into the historical events and daily life of the monastery during that time.

Another notable figure with the name Thorne was James Thorne, an English merchant and explorer who lived in the 16th century. He is credited with leading the first English expedition to the West African coast in 1555, paving the way for future trade and exploration in the region.

During the 17th century, Sir George Thorne, an English politician and landowner, played a significant role in the English Civil War. He served as a member of Parliament and supported the Parliamentarian cause against King Charles I.

In the field of literature, Robert Thorne was an English poet and translator who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his translations of works by Ludovico Ariosto and other Italian writers, which contributed to the popularization of Italian literature in England.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who bore the name Thorne throughout history. The name's origins and its association with thorny bushes or thickets have given it a unique and enduring presence in various cultures and time periods.

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

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

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