Find out how popular the first name York has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of York by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, York is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named York being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name York.

The history of the first name York

The name York has its origins in the Old English language and is derived from the word "Eofor-wic," which translates to "Boar Town" or "Boar Village." This name was likely given to the historic city of York in England, which was founded by the Romans and later became an important settlement during the Anglo-Saxon period.

The name York is closely associated with the city of York, which has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The city was originally known as "Eboracum" by the Romans, who established a military fortress there in the 1st century AD. Over time, the name evolved into "Eofor-wic" as the Anglo-Saxons settled in the area.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name York can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals that documented the history of the Anglo-Saxons. The Chronicle mentions the city of York and its significance as a center of power and trade during the Anglo-Saxon period.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name York. One of the most famous was Edmund of York, who lived in the 13th century and was the younger son of King Edward I of England. Edmund was granted the title of Earl of Kent and played a significant role in the conflicts between England and Scotland during his lifetime.

Another prominent figure with the name York was Sir John York, an English military commander who fought in the Wars of the Roses during the 15th century. He was a loyal supporter of the House of Lancaster and served as the Lieutenant of the Tower of London.

In the realm of literature, one cannot overlook the American poet and playwright York Richard Jones, who lived from 1907 to 1997. Jones was known for his works that explored African American culture and identity, and he was a recipient of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.

Moving into the modern era, York Membry was an American football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) from 1969 to 1981. He spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers and was known for his tenacious play on the defensive line.

Lastly, York Alvin Becker was a noted American artist and sculptor who lived from 1900 to 1977. Becker's works were primarily focused on capturing the essence of the human form, and his sculptures can be found in various public spaces and museums across the United States.

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

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

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