Find out how popular the first name Tyke has been for the last 42 years (from 1983 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A diminutive form of "Tyler", meaning a little wolf or cub.
Based on the last 42 years of data, Tyke is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tyke.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2024 | 8 | 0 |
2020 | 6 | 0 |
2019 | 5 | 0 |
2018 | 8 | 0 |
2017 | 6 | 0 |
2016 | 6 | 0 |
2015 | 8 | 0 |
2014 | 11 | 0 |
2013 | 6 | 0 |
2012 | 5 | 0 |
2011 | 6 | 0 |
2010 | 9 | 0 |
2009 | 13 | 0 |
2008 | 12 | 0 |
2007 | 7 | 0 |
2006 | 5 | 0 |
2005 | 8 | 0 |
2004 | 12 | 0 |
2003 | 9 | 0 |
2001 | 6 | 0 |
2000 | 9 | 0 |
1997 | 7 | 0 |
1995 | 6 | 0 |
1993 | 8 | 0 |
1991 | 5 | 0 |
1986 | 5 | 0 |
1985 | 6 | 0 |
1983 | 5 | 0 |
The name Tyke is believed to have its origins in the Middle English word "tike," which was used to refer to a large and fierce breed of dog, particularly a hunting dog or a cur. This term is thought to have derived from an older Norse word, "tík," meaning a bitch or a female dog.
In its earliest usage, the name Tyke was likely a nickname or a descriptive term applied to individuals who were perceived as having aggressive, tenacious, or hardy qualities, akin to those associated with a formidable hunting dog. It may have been used to describe someone with a fierce temperament or a strong physical presence.
The earliest recorded instances of the name Tyke can be traced back to the late 14th century in various English records and documents. One notable individual who bore this name was Tyke of Beverley, a legendary English outlaw and folk hero who was active in the late 14th or early 15th century. According to legends, he was a skilled archer and leader of a band of outlaws who robbed from the rich and aided the poor, much like the famous Robin Hood.
Another historical figure who carried the name Tyke was Tyke Tiler, a rebel leader during the Peasants' Revolt in England in 1381. He played a significant role in leading the rebel forces and was among those who stormed the Tower of London during the uprising.
In the 16th century, a man named Tyke Neville was recorded as serving as a Captain of the Guard for King Henry VIII of England. He was a member of the influential Neville family and was entrusted with the protection of the monarch during a time of political turmoil.
Moving forward to the 18th century, Tyke Tullett was a notable English boxer and bare-knuckle fighter who competed in prize fights during the early days of the sport's popularity. He was known for his tenacity and toughness in the ring, qualities that aligned with the name's original connotations.
In more recent times, one of the most famous individuals to bear the name Tyke was Tyke Dillard, an American football player who played as a running back for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1960s. He was born in 1941 and had a successful career, earning recognition as a Pro Bowl selection in 1965.
While the name Tyke may have initially carried associations with aggression and fierceness, it has evolved over time to become a unique and distinctive moniker, often chosen for its distinctive sound and historical connections to courage and perseverance.
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 Tyke was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Tyke first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 20, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/tyke-meaning-and-history/.
"Tyke first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/tyke-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 20 August, 2025
Tyke first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/tyke-meaning-and-history/.
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