Steele Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Steele originates from Old English, signifying strength and durability. Its etymological roots trace back to the word for steel, reflecting a strong quality. The name has evolved through historical forms and has been in use since the Middle Ages. It carries connotations of resilience and toughness, with no direct biblical connections. Various notable individuals bear the name, contributing to its recognition in modern culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Steele"
Pronunciation
/stiːl/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Steele is derived from the Old English word 'style', meaning 'a place where a steel is produced' or 'a strong, durable quality'. It has also been associated with the word 'steel', referring to the metal known for its strength.
Meaning
strong, durable
Language Evolution
Stela (Old English), Steele (Middle English), Steele (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Steele gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages and has remained in use as both a surname and a given name over the centuries.
Variants & Derivatives
Steel, Steal, Steely
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Steele is perceived as a strong and assertive name, often associated with resilience and toughness.
Famous People
Andrew Steele - Canadian athlete, Cynthia Steele - American author, William Steele - American politician
📊 Steele Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Steele Name Visualizations
✨ Steele Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 161 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 28 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Steele"
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 "Steele"
"Steele" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4628th of 7545 | 41 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4651st of 6773 | 33 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3471st of 7552 | 103 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4589th of 10718 | 81 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2717th of 16616 | 358 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2244th of 24088 | 843 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1484th of 23106 | 1,418 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 26979th of 35406 | 16 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10643rd of 30306 | 107 |
Regional Popularity of "Steele" 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) |
- | - | - |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
57.14% 2618th/4582 |
76.12% 3931st/5164 |
42.77% 3128th/7313 |
28.14% 2100th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
42.22% 1682nd/3984 |
53.58% 2404th/4487 |
20.71% 1413th/6822 |
23.85% 1497th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Steele" 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 "Steele"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Steele" 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 "Steele" in the United States
The name Steele is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Steele 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, 'Steele' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4628th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4651st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3471st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4589th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2717th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2244th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1484th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 26979th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10643rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Steele' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.