Holding steady.
Popularity of Algernon since 1886
Babies named Algernon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1972, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Algernon's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 75 |
| 1920s | 82 |
| 1930s | 56 |
| 1940s | 46 |
| 1950s | 100 |
| 1960s | 102 |
| 1970s | 199 |
| 1980s | 156 |
| 1990s | 100 |
| 2000s | 37 |
| 2010s | 27 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Algernon is a distinctive, aristocratic name of Norman French origin, meaning 'mustachioed.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1886, the same year it reached its peak usage (rank 626). The name has been in steady decline since the early 20th century and has not appeared in the top 1,000 names for over a century. As of 2025, it remains extremely rare; the Social Security data reports no births for the name in recent years, reflecting a 1-in-N ratio that approaches zero. Despite its rarity, Algernon carries literary echoes (most notably from Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest') and a certain old-world charm. There are no top states for the name, as it never clustered regionally. Parents today might consider it as a bold, unconventional choice with historical depth.
Algernon derives from the Norman French nickname 'Aux Gernons' (meaning 'with mustaches'), brought to England after the Norman Conquest. It was originally a surname before becoming a given name in the 16th century, notably borne by the Percy family, Earls of Northumberland. The name saw modest use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with aristocratic or literary figures.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Algy, Non
Variants: Algernon
Sibling names for Algernon
Names that share Algernon's style, for a brother or sister.
