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

Popularity of Wayne by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Wayne is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Wayne being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 358 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wayne.

The history of the first name Wayne

The name Wayne originated as an English surname derived from the Old English word "wayn," meaning a wagon or cart maker. It was initially used as an occupational surname for those who built or repaired wagons and carts. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 13th century in England.

In the late Middle Ages, the practice of using surnames as given names became more common, leading to the adoption of Wayne as a first name. The name gained popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly among the English gentry and nobility.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Wayne was Sir Henry Wayne (c.1555-1633), an English military commander who served during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. He was known for his service in the Anglo-Spanish War and the Dutch Revolt.

Another notable figure associated with the name was Anthony Wayne (1745-1796), an American military officer and statesman. He earned the nickname "Mad Anthony" for his daring exploits during the American Revolutionary War. Wayne achieved significant victories against the British and played a crucial role in securing American independence.

In the literary world, John Wayne (1907-1979), born Marion Robert Morrison, was an iconic American actor known for his roles in Western films. He became a symbol of American masculinity and rugged individualism, starring in classics such as "Stagecoach," "The Searchers," and "True Grit."

Wayne Gretzky (born 1961), nicknamed "The Great One," is considered one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time. He held numerous NHL records, including being the league's all-time leading scorer, and led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships.

Wayne Shorter (born 1933) is a renowned American jazz saxophonist and composer. He has made significant contributions to the development of modern jazz and has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

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

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

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