Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Major

Major is an English vocabulary word with a few different definitions depending on how it’s used. In terms of a given name, we have to assume Major is being used as a title of military rank (i.e., Sergeant-Major). The English word was borrowed from the early Latin “maior” meaning “adult, elder” and the later Latin “major” which came to mean “greater, superior, chief officer”. Aside from the military rank, “major” is also a noun that denotes a discipline of study in college. As an adjective it’s used to describe something of great significance or something larger or better (an antonym of minor). It is also a term used in music (piano concerto in G major, for instance). As a masculine given name, however, parents are most likely associating Major with a title of rank, similar to how names like King, Prince, Duke and Earl might be used. Other U.S. military rank titles roughly in order of importance are: General, Admiral, Lieutenant, Major, Colonel, Captain, Officer and Cadet. Major is the only military title being used as a boy’s given name and almost exclusively distinct to the United States (it also has a history of usage among African-Americans, as well).

All About the Baby Name – Major

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MAJOR

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MAJOR

Major has a shockingly long history as a masculine given name in America. This surprised us – the name feels more modern in terms of its usage as a vocabulary word name. Not only does Major date back to the late 19th century as a baby boy’s name, but it was often a Top 300 choice in the late 1800s and early 1900s. However Major did lose his moderate standings on the charts by the 1920s as his usage began to decline substantially. The name completely dropped off the American radar in 1972 and remained off the charts for almost 40 straight years. Major only recently reappeared on the Top 1000 list in 2010 (but is at the very bottom of the list now). As a masculine first name Major is quite unusual – it’s more of a “statement” name much like King or Prince, or a celebratory name that announces the importance of one’s child. Major feels more like a nickname and one that perhaps should be earned rather than given. Today Major is rarely bestowed as an official first name; less than 200 baby boys receive this atypical moniker per year. That’s pretty minor!

Quick Facts

ON MAJOR

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

African-American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

366

PRONUNCIATION:

MAY-jәr

SIMPLE MEANING:

Greater, superior

Characteristics

OF MAJOR

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Major

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MAJOR

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Major

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MAJOR

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Major


Popular Songs

ON MAJOR

Major Barbara
a song by Aerosmith

Famous People

NAMED MAJOR

Major Applewhite (college football coach)
Major Everett (football player)
Major Jones (basketball player)
Major Owens (politician)
Major Taylor (bicyclist)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MAJOR

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Major

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MAJOR

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Major