Find out how popular the first name Voss has been for the last 7 years (from 2014 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Voss by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Voss is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Voss.

The history of the first name Voss

The name Voss is thought to have its origins in the Germanic languages, specifically in the Old High German word "foz" or "voz," which referred to the feet or base of a mountain or hill. This connection suggests that the name may have initially been used as a descriptive term for someone living near the foothills or in a mountainous region.

In the Middle Ages, the name Voss began to appear in various forms across different Germanic-speaking regions, such as Vos, Vosz, Fosse, and Vosse. It was particularly prevalent in areas of present-day Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Voss can be found in the historical records of the Frankish Empire, where a nobleman named Voss is mentioned as a landowner in the 8th century. This suggests that the name had already gained some prominence by that time.

In the 12th century, a Benedictine monk known as Voss von Rüdesheim authored a Latin chronicle detailing the history of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Blasien in the Black Forest region of Germany. His work provides valuable insight into the monastic life and cultural traditions of the time.

During the Renaissance period, a Dutch painter named Voss van Delft (c. 1580-1629) gained recognition for his portraits and genre scenes depicting everyday life in the Netherlands. His works are now housed in various museums across Europe.

Another notable figure bearing the name Voss was Johann Heinrich Voss (1751-1826), a German poet and translator who is best known for his influential translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey into German hexameter verse. His translations helped popularize the study of Greek literature in Germany and influenced subsequent generations of writers and scholars.

In more recent times, the American author and literary critic Ralph Ellison (1914-1994) wrote a famous novel titled "Invisible Man," which explores the themes of racial identity and social invisibility. The novel's protagonist, whose name is never revealed, is often referred to as "the Invisible Man" or simply "Invisible."

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who bore the name Voss, highlighting its rich linguistic heritage and diverse cultural associations across various fields, from literature and art to religion and academia.

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

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

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