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ArchivesRe: Erin as a masculine name?
in reply to a message by ari.
Three possibilities:
- Statistical error: I think this is unlikely; the numbers are relatively high during several years. It would be interesting to compare with other female names that were as popular with Erin during this period, to see if there was a comparable "mistake" in recording girls as boys.
- Erin as a variant spelling of Aaron: Likely, especially in areas where the names are pronounced the same, and considering how popular Aaron was during this period.
- Erin being perceived as unisex: Possible, considering that Erin is a relatively modern name in the US. Would not be surprised if some parents (especially Irish Americans) would use it for sons before the name was established as primarily female. It's also similar in sound to names like Eric, Erwin, Darren/Derrin, etc. Shannon is a name with a similar trajectory.
- Statistical error: I think this is unlikely; the numbers are relatively high during several years. It would be interesting to compare with other female names that were as popular with Erin during this period, to see if there was a comparable "mistake" in recording girls as boys.
- Erin as a variant spelling of Aaron: Likely, especially in areas where the names are pronounced the same, and considering how popular Aaron was during this period.
- Erin being perceived as unisex: Possible, considering that Erin is a relatively modern name in the US. Would not be surprised if some parents (especially Irish Americans) would use it for sons before the name was established as primarily female. It's also similar in sound to names like Eric, Erwin, Darren/Derrin, etc. Shannon is a name with a similar trajectory.
This message was edited 5/29/2022, 2:35 AM
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