The name Urijah is a distinctive and meaningful choice for a baby boy. But how popular is the name Urijah, and what is its origin? Let’s delve into the details surrounding this compelling name.
(Image of a baby boy with the name Urijah)
Urijah Name Popularity
So, how popular is the name Urijah? Here’s a look at the name’s historical usage and recent trends.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides data on baby name popularity in the United States, offering insights into the frequency with which names are chosen each year. Reviewing the SSA data, it’s clear that Urijah has seen fluctuations in popularity over the past century.
From 1910 to 2006, the name was virtually absent from the SSA records, indicating very few, if any, births were recorded with the name Urijah. This could be attributed to several factors, including regional preferences, cultural trends, and the relative obscurity of the name during that time.
However, starting in 2007, Urijah began to appear on the SSA charts, signaling a gradual increase in usage. The name reached its peak in popularity between 2008 and 2012, where it ranked consistently within the top 1000 names for boys. This period coincides with a broader trend of parents seeking out unique and less common names for their children.
In recent years, the popularity of Urijah has seen a slight decline. While still in use, it hasn’t maintained the same level of prominence as it did in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The reasons for this shift could be attributed to evolving naming trends, the emergence of new popular names, or simply cyclical variations in name preferences.
Here’s a summary of the recent popularity trends:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2,503 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 2008 | 888 | 182 | 0.0118% |
| 2009 | 610 | 369 | 0.0247% |
| 2010 | 617 | 347 | 0.0241% |
| 2011 | 654 | 309 | 0.0217% |
| 2012 | 670 | 304 | 0.0213% |
| 2013 | 745 | 250 | 0.0176% |
| 2014 | 793 | 230 | 0.0158% |
| 2015 | 881 | 183 | 0.0126% |
| 2016 | 933 | 156 | 0.0108% |
| 2017 | 1,124 | 100 | 0.0072% |
| 2018 | 1,362 | 60 | 0.0044% |
| 2019 | 1,498 | 45 | 0.0033% |
| 2020 | 1,823 | 38 | 0.003% |
| 2021 | 1,879 | 37 | 0.003% |
| 2022 | 1,881 | 41 | 0.0031% |
| 2023 | 2,606 | 17 | 0.0013% |
(Data via SSA.gov)
Meaning and Origin of Urijah
Urijah is a Hebrew name, with a profound and spiritual meaning. The name translates to "My light is Jehovah" or "God is my light." This powerful meaning reflects a deep connection to faith and spirituality, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with religious significance. The name’s origin is found in the Hebrew Bible, where several individuals bear the name Urijah, adding to its historical and cultural depth.
Names Similar to Urijah
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Urijah, you might also appreciate these similar-sounding or related names:
Sound-Alike Names:
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Arjay: An American name.
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Urija: A Hebrew name, meaning "My light is Jehovah."
Similar Names (Same Origin/Meaning):
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Uria: A Hebrew name, meaning "My light is Jehovah."
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Urias: A Hebrew name, meaning "My light is Jehovah."
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Uriyah: A Hebrew name, meaning "My light is Jehovah."
The Appeal of Urijah
The appeal of Urijah lies in its unique blend of biblical roots, meaningful significance, and relatively uncommon status. It’s a name that stands out without being overly trendy, offering a sense of timelessness and individuality. Parents who choose Urijah for their son often appreciate its spiritual depth and its distinctive sound.
In conclusion, Urijah is a name rich in history, meaning, and character. While its popularity has fluctuated, its enduring appeal lies in its unique qualities and spiritual connotations. If you’re seeking a name that is both meaningful and distinctive, Urijah is certainly worth considering.