HOME > Barnum
Editor by Emma Appleton | Checked by Laura Gordon
What is the meaning
The name Barnum is a unique and interesting name that has a rich history and meaning. It is a name that has been used for centuries and has been associated with many different things, including the circus, entertainment, and business. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the name Barnum and its origins, as well as its popularity and famous bearers. Origins of the Name Barnum The name Barnum is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words "bern" and "hamm," which mean "barn" and "enclosure" or "homestead." The name was originally used as a surname, and it was first recorded in the 13th century in the county of Essex, England. It is believed that the name was given to people who lived near or worked in a barn or farm. The name Barnum became more popular in the United States in the 19th century, thanks to the famous showman and businessman P.T. Barnum. He was the founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, which was one of the largest and most successful circuses in the world. P.T. Barnum was known for his showmanship and his ability to attract crowds, and his name became synonymous with the circus and entertainment. Meaning of the Name Barnum The name Barnum has several meanings, depending on the interpretation. One interpretation is that it means "son of comfort" or "son of encouragement," which suggests that the name was given to children who were seen as a source of comfort or encouragement to their parents. Another interpretation of the name Barnum is that it means "son of the bear," which suggests that the name was given to children who were strong and powerful, like a bear. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the bear is a symbol of strength and power in many cultures. Popularity of the Name Barnum The name Barnum is not a very common name, and it has never been in the top 1000 names for boys in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, there were only 5 babies named Barnum in 2020, which makes it a very rare name. However, the name Barnum has gained some popularity in recent years, thanks to the success of the musical "The Greatest Showman," which is based on the life of P.T. Barnum. The movie has brought the name Barnum back into the public eye, and it has become a popular choice for parents who are looking for a unique and meaningful name for their baby. Famous Bearers of the Name Barnum The most famous bearer of the name Barnum is undoubtedly P.T. Barnum, the showman and businessman who founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was born in 1810 in Connecticut, and he started his career as a showman in the 1830s. He became famous for his ability to attract crowds and his talent for promoting his shows. Another famous bearer of the name Barnum is Barnum Brown, a famous paleontologist who discovered the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in 1902. He was born in 1873 in Kansas, and he spent his career working for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Conclusion The name Barnum is a unique and interesting name that has a rich history and meaning. It is a name that has been associated with the circus, entertainment, and business, and it has been used for centuries. The name has several interpretations, including "son of comfort" and "son of the bear," and it has gained some popularity in recent years thanks to the success of the musical "The Greatest Showman." Whether you choose the name Barnum for your baby because of its history, meaning, or association with P.T. Barnum, it is a name that is sure to stand out and make a statement.
