Meaning & Origin
Page is a unisex given name of English origin. It originates as a surname that developed from Paige, an occupational surname for a servant or page—a young attendant to a knight or noble. Margaret Court, the "Pidget" nickname aside, the name is rooted in Middle English, Old French, and ultimately Greek, coming from Greek παιδίον (paidion) meaning "little boy".
Etymology and History
Page derives from a variant spelling of Paige, an English surname referring to a page or servant. This surname spread as inheritances across England, and later evolved into a given name. Unusually, Page emerged as a given name in the 20th century as part of the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names, unaffected by the biblical traditions that dominated most names of earlier eras.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals include American politician Page Belcher (1899–1980), jazz pianist Page Cavanaugh (1922–2008), and Helmet guitarist Page Hamilton (born 1960). Page McConnell (born 1963) is known as the keyboardist for the rock band Phish. Canadian actor Page Fletcher (born 1951) and professional wrestler "The Gobbledy Gooker" — Page Falkinburg Jr. (born 1956) — also bear the name. Historian Page Smith (1917–1995) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. The name has varied associations across decades, maintaining an androgynous appeal.
Cultural Significance
Unlike Paige, which had a major spike through Knots Landing and the novel Parrish, Page has largely remained a less common but durable choice, often valued for its crisp monosyllabic sound and its professional, literary overtones. Its versatility has made it encountered about equally among men and women, and its roots remind the bearer of a historic role—a bridging presence between lord and liege.
Meaning: servant, page
Origin: English, from Greek through occupational use
Type: unisex first name; originally surname derivate
Usage regions: Primarily English-speaking (though not strictly limited in modern global use)