Tillman: Unveiling the History and Popularity of a Classic Name
Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision, one filled with hopes, dreams, and a desire to bestow upon your child a moniker that resonates with meaning and character. The name Tillman is a strong and historically rich choice, offering a glimpse into the past while maintaining a grounded, classic appeal. But how popular is the name Tillman? Let’s delve into its history, meaning, popularity trends, and explore similar names that might capture your interest.
The Meaning and Origins of Tillman
The name Tillman carries a strong connection to the land and labor. It’s generally accepted to be of English origin, derived from the Old English words "til," meaning "to till" or "cultivate," and "mann," meaning "man." Therefore, the most common interpretation of Tillman is "one who tills the soil" or "farmer." This meaning evokes images of hard work, connection to nature, and a sense of providing for one’s community. The name also hints at qualities like resilience, practicality, and a strong work ethic.
Beyond its literal translation, the name can also be interpreted metaphorically. "Tilling the soil" can represent nurturing, developing, and fostering growth – qualities that many parents hope to instill in their children.
Tillman Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
Understanding a name’s popularity over time can provide valuable context for your decision. The data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a fascinating glimpse into the usage of the name Tillman in the United States. While never a top 100 name, Tillman has experienced periods of moderate popularity and relative obscurity.
Let’s examine the historical trends more closely:
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Early 20th Century (1910-1930): The name Tillman saw some usage, but it was never a mainstream choice. Years like 1914 (Rank: 1,005, Births: 8, % Births: 0.0011%), 1917 (Rank: 669, Births: 47, % Births: 0.0047%) and 1919 (Rank: 715, Births: 42, % Births: 0.004%) represent peaks during this period. The high birth numbers and percentage in 1917 and 1919 are notable, although still represent a small portion of total births. The data suggests a slight increase in popularity following World War I.
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Mid-20th Century (1931-1960): The name experienced a period of decline and inconsistency. Years appear where no births were recorded.
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Late 20th Century (1961-1999): This era presents a fluctuating pattern. There were periods of complete absence from the recorded data. However, 1992 (Rank: 2,530, Births: 5, % Births: 0.0003%) and 1994 (Rank: 2,441, Births: 6, % Births: 0.0004%) show a minor resurgence.
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21st Century (2000-2023): The name continues to be used sparingly. Years like 2006 (Rank: 2,415, Births: 10, % Births: 0.0006%), 2014 (Rank: 2,213, Births: 14, % Births: 0.001%), 2017 (Rank: 2,243, Births: 12, % Births: 0.0009%), and 2018 (Rank: 2,219, Births: 12, % Births: 0.0009%) show occasional blips of slightly increased usage, followed by periods of decline. The most recent data available, from 2022, indicates a rank of 3,565 with 6 births, representing 0.0005% of births.
Interpreting the Trends
The popularity data suggests that Tillman is a relatively uncommon name. Its usage has been sporadic throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. This rarity can be seen as a positive for parents seeking a unique and distinctive name for their child. It avoids the risk of being overly common while still possessing a familiar and recognizable quality. The name also does not seem to be highly susceptible to the prevailing naming trends, and has maintained an ebb and flow of popularity over the years.
Names Like Tillman: Exploring Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Tillman but want to explore other options, several names offer similar qualities or origins.
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Variants of Tillman:
- Tilman: A slightly shorter and more streamlined version of Tillman, sharing the same meaning and origin. It also avoids the double "l," making it easier to spell for some.
- Tilghman: Another variant, this one also has the meaning "one who plows the earth".
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Names that Sound Like Tillman:
- Delman: Shares a similar sound and rhythm. While its meaning ("of the mountain") differs, it offers a comparable auditory experience.
- Talmon: A Hebrew name meaning "oppressed".
- Tilmann: This German name means "Power of the tribe".
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Similar Names:
- Till: A shortened form of Tillman, it has a strong, simple sound and retains the "power of the tribe" meaning.
Famous Tillmans
While the name isn’t overwhelmingly popular, there are notable individuals who have carried the name Tillman, contributing to its recognition and association with certain qualities. This includes Pat Tillman, the NFL player who left his football career to serve in the U.S. Army and was killed in action in Afghanistan. His story of courage and selflessness has brought the name Tillman into the public consciousness, associating it with bravery and commitment.
Conclusion: Is Tillman the Right Name for Your Baby?
The name Tillman is a classic name of English origin, meaning "one who tills the soil" or "farmer." Its popularity has fluctuated throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, remaining a relatively uncommon but recognizable choice. For parents seeking a name that is unique, grounded, and evocative of strength, hard work, and connection to nature, Tillman is certainly a name worth considering. Its historical roots and the association with figures like Pat Tillman add layers of meaning and character to this distinctive moniker. Ultimately, the decision of what to name your baby is a personal one, but understanding the history, meaning, and popularity trends of a name like Tillman can help you make an informed and meaningful choice.