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1700s English Baby Names

Introduction

Naming a baby is a big decision, and many parents look to the past for inspiration. If you're interested in historical names, the 1700s in England is a great place to start. This was a time of great change and innovation, and the names of the era reflect this. In this article, we'll explore the most popular baby names of the 1700s in England and the history behind them.

Popular Baby Names of the 1700s

The most popular baby names of the 1700s in England were largely influenced by religion and royalty. Many parents named their children after biblical figures or members of the royal family. Here are some of the most popular names of the era: 1. John 2. William 3. Mary 4. Elizabeth 5. Sarah 6. James 7. Thomas 8. Anne 9. Catherine 10. George These names remained popular throughout the century, although there were some variations in popularity from decade to decade. For example, the name Elizabeth was particularly popular in the early 1700s, while the name Catherine became more popular in the latter half of the century.

Religious Names

Religion played a significant role in the naming of babies in the 1700s. Many parents chose names from the Bible, such as John, James, and Sarah. These names were seen as virtuous and were often given to children in the hopes that they would embody the qualities of the biblical figures they were named after. Other popular religious names included Mary, Elizabeth, and Thomas.

Royal Names

The royal family also had a significant influence on baby names in the 1700s. Many parents named their children after members of the royal family, such as Anne, Catherine, and George. These names were seen as prestigious and were often given to children in the hopes that they would achieve great things in life. The popularity of royal names varied depending on the reigning monarch at the time. For example, the name George became more popular during the reign of King George III.

Occupational Names

Occupational names were also popular in the 1700s. These names were often given to children whose parents worked in a particular profession. For example, the name Baker was given to children whose fathers were bakers, and the name Cooper was given to children whose fathers were barrel makers. Other popular occupational names included Mason, Taylor, and Smith.

Nature Names

Nature names were also popular in the 1700s. These names were often inspired by the natural world and included names such as Rose, Lily, and Daisy for girls, and Forest, River, and Stone for boys. These names were seen as romantic and poetic, and were often given to children in the hopes that they would appreciate the beauty of nature.

Unusual Names

While many parents in the 1700s chose traditional names for their children, there were also some more unusual names that were given. These names were often inspired by literature or mythology, and included names such as Aurora, Celeste, and Venus for girls, and Apollo, Hector, and Orion for boys. These names were seen as exotic and were often given to children in the hopes that they would be unique and special.

Conclusion

The 1700s in England was a time of great change and innovation, and the names of the era reflect this. Whether you're looking for a traditional name with a rich history, or a more unusual name that will make your child stand out, the names of the 1700s in England offer plenty of inspiration. By exploring the popular baby names of the era, you can discover the history behind these names and find the perfect name for your own baby.