Holding steady.
Popularity of Bard since 1920
Babies named Bard per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 11 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 28 |
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 55 |
| 1970s | 39 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Bard is a rare Welsh name that has never been common in the United States. Despite its historical weight, it has never appeared on the Social Security Administration's top 1000 list. The name saw its peak usage in 1970 during a period of mild interest. Its trajectory has remained stable, with sporadic use over the decades. Bard first appeared in U.S. records in 1920, but it remains an uncommon choice, reflecting its strong cultural and literary associations. The name is often linked to the legendary Welsh poets and, more broadly, to William Shakespeare, though that connection is cultural rather than etymological.
Bard derives from the Welsh word 'bardd', meaning 'poet'. In ancient Celtic societies, bards were revered as keepers of oral history and tradition. The name entered general English usage in the 16th century and was occasionally adopted as a given name, likely influenced by the association with William Shakespeare, known as 'The Bard'.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Barde, Bardh
Sibling names for Bard
Names that share Bard's style, for a brother or sister.
