This coming Monday, the U.S. celebrates Independence Day, a time not only for barbecues and burgers, flag-waving and fireworks, but also a chance to look back at the history of the nation. Nameberry took the opportunity to examine some of the more interestingly named heroes in the struggle for independence. Here are 12 figures for baby name inspiration.
Sybil
When she was just 16 years old, Sybil Ludington rode on horseback to alert rebel forces of an impending British attack. Some call her "the female Paul Revere." In more recent years, the lovely but tragic Lady Sybil Crawley on "Downton Abbey" has brought new life to this ancient Greek name -- especially on Nameberry, where it’s Number 291. On the U.S. Social Security Administration charts, it peaked around 1920 and has yet to make a major return.
Rufus
Rufus Putnam was an officer in both the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War. Today, the name has appeared through characters on "Gossip Girl" and in the Harry Potter series. Popular on Nameberry at Number 214, the name Rufus just waiting for the rest of America to catch up.
Polly
Polly Cooper was a woman in the Oneida who took part in an expedition to help the Continental Army at Valley Forge. The name Polly has long history ranging from nursery rhymes to Tom Sawyer to "Orange is the New Black."
Mercy
Mercy Otis Warren is known as "The conscience of the American Revolution." She advised leaders on political matters and wrote one of the first published histories of the Revolutionary War. The name Mercy is headed for a comeback, experiencing a rapid rise of late. Madonna named her daughter Mercy James.
Horatio
Horatio Gates was a retired British soldier who served as an American general during the war. He was named for his godfather, the English man of letters and Whig politician Horace Walpole. Horatio is a noble, dignified name, that of Hamlet’s loyal friend and author Horatio Alger. Its cool o-ending increases its potential.
Lydia
Though Lydia Darragh was a pacifist Quaker, lgend has it that during the British occupation of her house in Philadelphia, she delivered overheard information to Washington’s troops, warning them of British attacks. Now at number 52 on Nameberry, the name Lydia has New Testament and literary cred via Pride and Prejudice and Anna Karenina.
Lachlan
Lachlan McIntosh was a Scottish-born Georgia general who served as the head of the Western Department of the Continental Army. He also fatally shot Declaration of Independence signer Button Gwinnett in a duel. A charming Scottish name wildly popular in Australia and New Zealand, Lachlan entered the U.S. list in 2013.
Patience
Patience Wright was an American sculptor who, according to some books, helped spy for the Patriot cause. Along with Prudence, Patience was a popular virtue name of the era.
Artemas
Artemas Ward was an American major general in the Revolutionary War. Artemas was also the name of a biblical figure. The similar Artemis refers to the Greek goddess of the moon.
Casimir
Polish-born Casimir Pulaski has been called one of "the fathers of the American cavalry" for his contributions to the U.S. military during the Revolutionary War. A regal name in Poland, Casimir would make a strong and dashing name option, with the appealing nickname Caz. It was actually a Top 400 name in the early 20th century but has been somewhat MIA since 1942.
Crispus
Crispus Attucks, the son of an African-born slave father and Native American mother, is believed to have been the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War. His name is now 370 on Nameberry. This variation of Crispin means "curly-haired" and could fit in with other Latinate boys' names.
Mordecai
Mordecai Gist was a general in command of the Maryland Line in the Continental army. A Hebrew appellation, Mordecai has never ranked on the U.S. Top 1000, but it it is 457 on Nameberry.
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