November 2, 2023
Polling Cleanlist’s ResponseCanadaTM Consumer database, we identified 3,383,014 unique names in Canada. This week we identified the most popular male names:
Michael, David, Robert, John, James, Daniel, and William— time to unravel the history behind each name.
- Michael (population 560,040 / 1 person out of 70 people)
Origin: Michael, a name of Hebrew descent, bears the profound meaning, “Who is like God?” With a history steeped in spirituality, it has remained a beloved classic for centuries, further enhanced by its association with the Archangel Michael.
- David (population 549,554 / 1 out of 71 people)
Origin: David, another name rooted in the Bible, finds its origin in the Hebrew name “Dawid,” signifying “beloved.” It radiates strength and charm, capturing the hearts of many.
- Robert (population 522,281 / 1 out of 75 people)
Origin: Robert, with its Germanic heritage, draws its essence from “hrod,” meaning “fame,” and “beraht,” meaning “bright.” With a storied past, it continues to be a favoured choice among parents.
- John (population 517,991 / 1 out of 75 people)
Origin: John is a name with a diverse linguistic history. Its roots can be traced back to the Hebrew name “Yochanan,” translating to “God is gracious.” This name transcends cultural boundaries and remains amongst the most popular.
- James (population 373,719 / 1 out of 104 people)
Origin: James, an embodiment of timeless elegance, finds its beginnings in the Hebrew name “Yaakov,” signifying “supplanter.” Its popularity spans various cultures and eras.
- Daniel (population 344,989 / 1 out of 113 people)
Origin: Daniel, a name of Hebrew origin, carries the weighty meaning, “God is my judge.” It is renowned for its association with wisdom and integrity, endearing it to many parents.
- William (population 307445 / 1 out of 127 people)
Origin: William, hailing from the Germanic heritage, is constructed from “wil,” meaning “will” or “desire,” and “helm,” meaning “helmet” or “protection.” This name exudes a regal and commanding aura, fit for a leader.
It is interesting to illuminate the everlasting allure of names with deep historical roots. Whether you bear the name Michael, David, Robert, John, James, Daniel, or William, each individual name carries a legacy of timeless charm and historical significance, destined to be celebrated for generations to come.
Honorable Mentions:
Richard (population 299, 164 / 1 person out of 130 people)
Paul (population 270, 547 / 1 person out of people)
by Michael Menard, Cleanlist Product Specialist
About the data: The data presented in this report was summarized from ResponseCanadaTM Consumer, Canada’s largest and most up-to-date privacy friendly consumer database. To learn more about the database or for licensing information, contact sales@cleanlist.ca.
Cleanlist is Canada’s largest customer data company. We clean, enrich, and validate business and consumer data. We’re also experts in data-driven document composition and Canada’s largest data provider for digital and offline marketing. To learn more, visit us at Cleanlist.ca.
