Find out how popular the first name Utah has been for the last 30 years (from 1993 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Utah by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Utah is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Utah.

The history of the first name Utah

Utah is a relatively modern name that was derived from a Native American language spoken in the western United States. It originated from the Ute tribe, who inhabited parts of present-day Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The name "Utah" is believed to have its roots in the Ute word "nuciu," which means "higher up" or "elevated."

The name Utah first gained prominence in the early 19th century when explorers and settlers began exploring the region now known as the state of Utah. In 1776, a Spanish missionary, Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, referred to the area as "Utah" in his records, likely influenced by the local indigenous population's name for the region.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Utah as a personal name was for Utah Valley, a prominent geographical feature in central Utah. This valley, named after the Ute tribe, was first mentioned in records by the explorer Jedediah Smith in 1826.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Utah. One of the most famous was Utah Phillips (1935-2008), an American labor organizer, folk singer, and storyteller. He was an influential figure in the folk music revival of the 1960s and was known for his political activism and storytelling abilities.

Another notable individual with the name Utah was Utah Blaine (1922-2009), a Native American actress and stuntwoman from the Blackfeet tribe. She appeared in numerous Western films and television shows, often portraying Native American characters, and was known for her horsemanship and skilled stunt work.

In the world of sports, Utah Paine (1892-1965) was a professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1915 to 1922. He was a skilled outfielder and played for teams such as the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Braves.

Utah Silas Pendleton (1886-1965) was an American educator and civil rights activist who dedicated his life to improving educational opportunities for African Americans in the early 20th century. He served as the president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality.

Another notable figure was Utah Kawanami (1898-1997), a Japanese sculptor and artist who was renowned for his woodcarvings and sculptures depicting Buddhist themes. His works can be found in museums and temples throughout Japan and are celebrated for their intricate details and spiritual symbolism.

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

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

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