← All names

Deacon

Boy name · 132 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Deacon: 132 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 14 births in 2008.

Originating from the Greek diakonos meaning “servant” or “minister,” Deacon entered English as a church title before becoming a given name. Its most prominent bearer is Deacon Jones, the legendary American footballer who famously coined the term “sack” for tackling the quarterback. In Scotland, the name carries a historical guild connection—a “deacon” was the head of a trade craft, a role still ceremonially recognised in some cities. While not strongly linked to specific places, the surname Deacon is common across the UK. Notably, the name experienced a revival in popularity from the 1970s onward, partly through cultural associations like the Scottish band Deacon Blue and the biblical figure of the deacon in early Christianity.