Hawk Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Hawk' originates from Old English, meaning 'bird of prey'. It has evolved through various historical forms, from 'hafoc' in Old English to 'hauke' in Middle English, leading to its modern form. The name embodies traits of strength and keen vision, though it has no specific biblical relevance. The name became popular in the Middle Ages and is perceived as rugged and adventurous in contemporary contexts.
The name Hawk is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Hawk has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Hawk' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6096th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5122nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2553rd out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Hawk' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Hawk"
Pronunciation
/hɔk/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Hawk' is derived from the Old English word 'hafoc', which refers to the bird of prey known for its keen eyesight and hunting prowess. The name is often associated with strength and agility.
Meaning
bird of prey
Language Evolution
Old English: hafoc, Middle English: hauke, Modern English: hawk
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, often used as a nickname for someone who was seen as fierce or sharp-witted, akin to the characteristics of the bird.
Variants & Derivatives
Hawke, Hawkins, Hawkley
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name 'Hawk' is often associated with strength and independence, and it has a rugged, adventurous image. It is sometimes used in contemporary naming as a symbol of freedom and power.
Famous People
Hawk Nelson (Christian rock band), Hawk Harrelson (American sportscaster), Hawk (comic book character)
Explore More Hawk Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Hawk"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Hawk"
"Hawk" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6096th of 16616 | 102 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5122nd of 24088 | 252 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2553rd of 23106 | 616 |
Regional Popularity of "Hawk" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
55.88% 4170th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
65.76% 2620th/3984 |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
45.60% 3111th/6822 |
30.59% 1920th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Hawk" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Hawk"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Hawk" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.