The name West is an English word derived from the cardinal direction of the same name. It is believed to have originated as a surname in medieval times, likely referring to someone who lived in the western part of a town or region.

As a given name, West has been in use since at least the late 16th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of West as a first name is from the baptismal records of St. Mary's Church in Beverley, Yorkshire, England, in 1582, where a boy named West Beane was christened.

West was not a particularly common first name in earlier centuries, but it did gain some popularity among English Puritans and Quakers, who often chose virtue names or words from nature for their children.

One notable historical figure with the first name West was West Digges (1720-1786), an English clergyman and scientist who made significant contributions to the study of astronomy and served as the rector of Bermondsey in London.

Another early bearer of the name was West Ford (1784-1849), an American pioneer and frontiersman who was among the first settlers in the region that would become the state of Indiana.

In the 19th century, West became a more popular first name, particularly in the United States. One famous American with this name was West Huddleston (1837-1924), a Union Army officer during the Civil War who later served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Kentucky.

Another notable American named West was West Churchman (1890-1968), a writer and journalist who worked for various newspapers and magazines, including The New Yorker and The Atlantic Monthly.

In the 20th century, one of the most well-known individuals with the first name West was West Bradenburgh Jr. (1922-1997), an American actor and singer who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name West as their first name, reflecting its long-standing use as an English given name with potential roots in geographical and natural references.