A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Aldrin since 1969
Babies named Aldrin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 22 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 44 |
| 1990s | 103 |
| 2000s | 148 |
| 2010s | 151 |
| 2020s | 69 |
Meaning & origin
Aldrin is a modern American coinage that burst onto the naming scene in 1969, the same year Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history on the Moon. The name first appeared in U.S. records that year, reaching its peak rank then, though it remained exceedingly rare (rank 8910 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 213,510 newborns given the name). After a period of obscurity, Aldrin has been steadily climbing in use since 1985, driven by a revival of interest in space-themed names. The name carries a distinctly modern, adventurous feel, directly referencing the Apollo 11 mission. While no single state recorded a high concentration of Aldrins, its nationwide appeal is tied to American space heritage. Aldrin is essentially a tribute name, formed from the astronaut's surname, and its etymology is transparently tied to that singular achievement. For parents seeking a name with clear historical resonance and a unique, forward-looking spirit, Aldrin offers an unmistakable connection to one of humanity's greatest milestones.
Aldrin is a modern coinage that first appeared in the United States in 1969, coinciding with the Apollo 11 moon landing. It likely derives from the surname Aldrin, most famously borne by astronaut Buzz Aldrin (born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr.), who walked on the Moon that year. The given name was probably created by combining the popular prefix 'Ald-' (from names like Alden) with the fashionable suffix '-rin' (as in Corin or Erin). Its use as a first name is a direct tribute to the space program.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al
Sibling names for Aldrin
Names that share Aldrin's style, for a brother or sister.

