I think I came across the term first in the late nineties or maybe early 2000's. People were claiming we'd make it there sometime around 2012. Of course, various other apocalypses were also converging on 2012 (Mayan calendar myths, massive asteroids, probably zombies I can't remember all of them), although I have to say that my big memory for that year was that it wasn't quite as apocalyptic as feared\hoped (depending on your outlook). That years singularity was pretty disappointing as well, as it turned out.

Maybe the next one will be too. It's only hype until it isn't, of course, but until it isn't I expect most of it still will be.