Usher first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Usher has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Usher

A name derived from an occupational term meaning "doorman" or "attendant".

Popularity of Usher by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Usher is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 59 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Usher.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 59 0
2022 44 0
2021 43 0
2020 37 0
2019 58 0
2018 36 0
2017 34 0
2016 41 0
2015 45 0
2014 31 0
2013 41 0
2012 59 0
2011 44 0
2010 32 0
2009 36 0
2008 45 0
2007 35 0
2006 38 0
2005 46 0
2004 43 0
2003 15 0
2002 29 0
2001 19 0
2000 16 0
1999 19 0
1998 22 0
1997 19 0
1996 9 0
1995 15 0
1994 8 0
1993 10 0
1992 11 0
1991 8 0
1990 6 0
1989 7 0
1988 5 0
1986 7 0
1985 5 0
1982 8 0
1981 8 0
1979 6 0
1978 6 0
1977 6 0

The history of the first name Usher

The name Usher has its origins in the Old French word "ussier" or "huissier," which was derived from the Latin "ostiarius," meaning "doorkeeper" or "porter." This connection to the occupation of guarding doors or entrances is believed to be the primary source of the name's meaning.

In the Middle Ages, ushers held important positions in royal courts and noble households, responsible for introducing guests, maintaining order during ceremonies, and ensuring the smooth flow of events. The name gained prominence during this period, closely associated with these esteemed roles.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Usher can be found in the 13th century, when a man named Usher de Boisfeuillet was mentioned in French records from 1263. This suggests that the name was in use as a given name by that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Usher. One of the most famous was Usher, Archbishop of York, who lived from 1170 to 1195 and played a significant role in the political and ecclesiastical affairs of England during the reigns of Henry II and Richard I.

Another prominent figure was Usher Gahagan (1555-1627), an Irish Catholic priest and author who wrote several works on Church history and theology. His name was sometimes spelled as "Ussher" or "Uscher."

In the field of literature, Usher Burdett (1670-1744) was an English playwright and poet, best known for his play "The Conspiracy," which was performed at the Theatre Royal in 1697.

Usher Parsons (1788-1868) was an American physician and surgeon who served as a professor at Brown University and made significant contributions to the field of medicine.

Usher L. Burdick (1879-1960) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 29th Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota from 1935 to 1937.

These examples illustrate the diverse array of individuals who have carried the name Usher throughout history, spanning various professions, nationalities, and time periods. While the name's popularity has fluctuated over the centuries, its origins and connections to the role of a doorkeeper or usher have endured, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich historical tapestry woven by this distinctive name.

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

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

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