Erin

The name Erin doesn’t really enter the American naming charts until 1954. We saw it pop onto the Top 1000 list briefly in the late 19th century and again in the early 1950s, but for all intents and purposes, Erin does not stick to the charts until 1954. The name jumps over 400 positions on the charts between 1956 and 1957; it’s not clear what may have influenced this quick leap in popularity in two short years, but it became clear the name had staying power. Erin reached a position on the Top 100 list in 1971 where she would reside for the next 34 straight years. The height of the name’s popularity came in the late 1970s and early 1980s during which time it was a Top 25 choice for a female first name; quite an achievement for this Irish lass! The name Erin finally fell off the Top 100 list in 2005 and by the looks of the charts, her chic and stylish days may have come to an end. Nevertheless, Erin is an Irish staple, and will always remain a favorite among Irish-Americans. How can it not? The name instantly instills a sense of Irish pride, and Irish people are famous for their steadfast pride. They certainly haven’t forgotten about this simple classic in England & Wales (where it was ranked #33 in 2009) or Scotland where it was ranked 12th in 2010. In Northern Ireland, they place Erin as the 5th most popular girl’s name and it’s ranked #37 in Ireland itself (2009). Erin may be considered too boring for the more creative naming conventions in America today, but we have only one thing to say to that: “Erin go bragh!”