Holding steady.
Popularity of Absalom since 1971
Babies named Absalom per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Absalom's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 25 |
| 1980s | 20 |
| 1990s | 55 |
| 2000s | 17 |
| 2010s | 56 |
| 2020s | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Absalom is a biblical name with deep roots in the Old Testament, yet it has never achieved widespread popularity in the United States. According to Social Security data since 1880, Absalom first appeared on record in 1971, but it has never ranked within the top 1000 names. Its peak usage occurred in 2024, when it was given to a small number of boys, though the exact figure is too low to compute a 1 in N rate. The name's trajectory has been stable, hovering at very low usage levels. No states recorded it with enough frequency to appear in top state lists. Absalom remains a rare choice, primarily used by families seeking a strong biblical reference.
Absalom is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, derived from 'Avshalom' meaning 'father of peace.' In the Old Testament, Absalom was the third son of King David, known for his rebellion and tragic death. The name has been used among English-speaking Christians since the Protestant Reformation, though it remains rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Abs, Ab
Variants: Avshalom, Apsalom
Sibling names for Absalom
Names that share Absalom's style, for a brother or sister.
