Pollard
A boy's name of Old English origin with 22 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Pollard peaked during early twentieth-century America, when 7 babies received this name in a single year (1919). That era was defined by heritage-rooted naming, and Pollard has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Pollard is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Pollard is a boy's baby name transferred from an English surname, derived from Middle English poll (meaning 'head') combined with the suffix -ard, originally a nickname for someone with a distinctive head of hair — or one who had their hair cropped.
As a given name, Pollard follows the American tradition of using family surnames as first names, a practice that lends a rugged, individualistic quality. It evokes the strength of a family name carried forward.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Pollard belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Old English naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Old English names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Pollard’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Pollard has 4+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1916.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 | — |
| 1950s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 12 | — |
The Story of Pollard
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1919, Pollard is a name steeped in history. Boys named Pollard are most likely born between 1916 and 1929.
How rare is Pollard?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Pollard is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1916, peaked in the 1910s with 12 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(4 years, 1916–1968)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 5 | #4593 |
| 1959 | 5 | #4431 |
| 1919 | 7 | #3667 |
| 1916 | 5 | #4359 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pollard a boy's or girl's name?
When was Pollard most popular?
How popular is the name Pollard?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1916–1968