Squire Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Squire' has its roots in Old French, originating from the term for a shield-bearer or armor-bearer. It evolved through Middle English and is associated with young knights or noblemen. The meaning reflects themes of protection and service. The term does not have biblical relevance and became popular during the medieval period as it denoted a young nobleman serving a knight, eventually linking to the gentry class. While considered somewhat outdated today, it still carries connotations of chivalry and respectability.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Squire"
Pronunciation
/skwaɪər/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The word 'squire' originates from the Old French term 'esquier', which means a shield-bearer or armor-bearer. This term was derived from the Latin 'securarius', meaning 'to secure' or 'to protect'.
Meaning
shield-bearer, servant, young knight
Language Evolution
Old French: esquier, Middle English: squire, Modern English: squire
Historical Usage
The term 'squire' gained popularity in medieval England as it referred to a young nobleman who served as an apprentice to a knight. Over time, it became associated with the gentry class and was a title often used for landowners.
Variants & Derivatives
Squires, Squirell, Squiree
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the term 'squire' is often viewed as an antiquated title, evoking images of chivalry and the medieval social hierarchy. It can also imply a sense of gentlemanliness and respectability.
Famous People
Squire McGowan, an American politician, Squire Rushnell, an American television producer and author
📊 Squire Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Squire Name Visualizations
✨ Squire Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 17 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 0 US states, with strongest presence in various regions
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Squire"
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 "Squire"
"Squire" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2547th of 7545 | 165 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3290th of 6773 | 96 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3987th of 7552 | 71 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6561st of 10718 | 33 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13786th of 16616 | 11 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Squire" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Squire" 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 "Squire"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Squire" 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Squire" in the United States
Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Across generations, 'Squire' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2547th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3290th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3987th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6561st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13786th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Discover how the name 'Squire' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.