Find out how popular the first name Unknown has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Unknown by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Unknown is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 55% of people named Unknown being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 67 male babies and 41 female babies born with the name Unknown.

The history of the first name Unknown

The name Unknown is a fairly modern moniker that emerged in the 20th century as a placeholder for individuals whose identities were not known or not recorded. Its linguistic roots can be traced back to the Old English word "uncunnan," which means "not to know" or "to be ignorant of."

While the name itself does not have a deep historical legacy, its usage became prevalent in official records, particularly in law enforcement, medical, and government documentation, to refer to unnamed or unidentified individuals. The earliest known examples of the name's usage can be found in police reports and coroner's files from the early 1900s.

One of the earliest documented cases of an individual being referred to as Unknown dates back to 1904, when an unidentified woman's body was discovered in a river in London, England. The case, which became known as the "Unknown Woman of the Seine," remained unsolved, and the victim's identity was never established.

Throughout the 20th century, the name Unknown gained notoriety in high-profile cases involving unidentified victims or missing persons. One such case was the "Unknown Child of the Sahara," a young boy whose mummified remains were discovered in the Sahara Desert in 1976. Despite extensive efforts, his identity remained a mystery.

Another notable example is the "Unknown Soldier," a symbolic figure representing the countless soldiers who died in battle without being identified. Many countries have erected memorials and tombs dedicated to the Unknown Soldier, with the first such monument being erected in Westminster Abbey, London, in 1920 to honor the fallen of World War I.

While the name Unknown is not traditionally associated with specific individuals, there have been a few instances where it has been used as a legal name. In 1971, a man in Australia legally changed his name to "Unknown Sailor" as a form of protest against the Vietnam War. Similarly, in 1994, a woman in the United States legally changed her name to "Unknown Citizen" to highlight the plight of homeless individuals.

Overall, the name Unknown serves as a poignant reminder of the many individuals throughout history whose identities have been lost or obscured, but whose stories and struggles continue to shape our understanding of the human experience.

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

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

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