Meaning & History
Logan is a unisex given name of Scottish origin, originally derived from a surname that itself came from a place name in Ayrshire, Scotland. The place name is thought to refer to a location near Auchinleck, and its etymology traces back to the Scottish Gaelic word lagan, a diminutive of lag, meaning "hollow" or "pit." Thus, Logan effectively means "little hollow."
History and Popularity
While Logan was used as a surname for centuries, its adoption as a given name began relatively recently, particularly in English-speaking countries. In the United States, the name saw a gradual rise in usage starting in the mid-1970s, influenced by cultural references such as the 1976 science-fiction film Logan's Run and the debut of the Marvel comic book character Wolverine, whose real name is Logan. The name gained immense popularity by the turn of the 21st century, reaching its peak in the United States in 2017 when it ranked as the fifth most common name for boys. It also climbed the charts in other English-speaking nations, becoming a top-100 name for boys in Canada, Australia, England and Wales, and especially in Scotland, where it was the fourth most popular boys' name in 2009. Although primarily given to males, Logan has also seen occasional use as a feminine given name, ranking 455th for U.S. baby girls in 2007.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals with the given name Logan include author Logan Pearsall Smith (1865–1946), actor Logan Lerman (b. 1992), and director Logan Marshall-Green (b. 1976). In sports, there are athletes like Australian rugby player Logan Swann and American football player Logan Ryan. The name is also carried by the fictional character James "Logan" Howlett, better known as Wolverine, whose alias has contributed significantly to the name's popularity. Women bearing the name include actress Logan Browning (b. 1989).
- Meaning: "Little hollow" (from Scottish Gaelic lagan)
- Origin: Scottish surname derived from a place in Ayrshire
- Type: Given name (unisex)
- Usage Regions: English-speaking world (especially United States, Scotland, Canada, Australia, England)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Logan (given name)