The name York can be traced back to the city of York in northern England. The city name evolved from the earlier name Eboracum, which came from the Ancient Greek word eburos, meaning “yew tree.”
York was the name of the first African American to traverse North America. (He traveled with the Lewis and Clark Expedition as Clark’s slave.) It also happens to be the name of a famous brand of peppermint pattie.
York was among the 1,000 most popular U.S. baby names just once: in 1881. It came close to ranking several other years as well (also during the 1880s).
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I love York Pepperment Patties, btw. For some reason this sounds like a modern name. I wouldn’t have guessed it was so old. Okay, I’m going to search for my son’s name on your site. Be back!
Oh also, I heard that some people here in Japan have begun naming their children Casio and Giga. Thought that was strange.
Of course, the most famous York of all is New York, which happens to be named for the Duke of York. Interesting side note which many people are not aware of, my home state was originally named New Amsterdam and was renamed New York when the British captured it and the duke was given the state as a token of gratitude from the king of England.
Not that that necessarily has to do with baby names, but a bit more of some interesting information about york. . .
Interesting, my family line traces back to Yorkshire in the 1500’s. Never really thought of it as a first name.