Fun Facts About the Name Upshur
- 5 babies named Upshur: U.S. records list 5 babies given the name Upshur from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Upshur Mean?
Upshur is an English surname whose meaning is not certainly established. It is often treated as a variant of Upsher and linked to the place name Upshire in Essex. That place name is usually explained as Old English upp, "up" or "higher," combined with scīr, "shire" or "district," which would give a literal sense such as "upper shire" or "higher district." The connection between Upshur and Upshire is plausible but not fully documented, so the name's meaning is best described as uncertain rather than settled.
Upshur Name History & Origins
The surname Upshur is found in England, and it was established in colonial Virginia by the 17th century. The Virginia Upshur family, later prominent in politics and the professions, generally spelled the name Upshur, while earlier records also show Upsher. Arthur Upshur was an early settler in Virginia; his descendants included Abel Parker Upshur (1790 - 1844), who served as secretary of the navy and secretary of state and is the best-known bearer of the surname. Upshur County in West Virginia and Upshur County in Texas are named for him.
As a first name, Upshur is uncommon. It is a transferred use of the surname rather than a name with a separate ancient origin. Its occasional use in the American South reflects the surname's presence there, especially in Virginia and neighboring states.
How Popular is the Name Upshur?
Upshur has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 1924. Its best rank was #4,915 in 1924.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1924 | #4,915 | 5 | 0.0004% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with U
How the Name Upshur Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You have talent, charm and luck. You can succeed in art and in any educational occupation. You attract peculiar experiences. Your power and protection lies in spiritual side of life. You are an enthusiastic collector and you will be tenacious in holding onto the things you accumulate. You have a good memory and should make an effort to have a positive attitude. Emergencies may raise your intuitive abilities in order to resolve conflict or situation. You become very creative under the pressure, and have quite original ideas to make the best out of it.
Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of. Your prime desire is to build protected and secure environment at home and at work. You can be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives. You can be very detailed and well-organized and possess great organizational skills. At times you may appear too stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical approach to life and productivity makes you one of the most beneficent members of community.
✦ Upshur's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Upshur's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.