Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Anatole since 1889
Babies named Anatole per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Anatole's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 31 |
| 1920s | 57 |
| 1930s | 18 |
| 1940s | 7 |
| 1950s | 34 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Anatole is a rare boy's name with a scholarly and French flair. First recorded in the United States in 1889, it peaked in that very same year, with all subsequent usage remaining extremely low. Its trajectory has been stable as a name given only a few times each year, reflective of its status as a niche choice with a distinguished history. Despite its low frequency, Anatole maintains a classic European elegance seldom found in modern American naming. Its rarity makes it a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with literary and historical depth.
Anatole derives from the Greek word 'anatolē' meaning 'sunrise' or 'east'. The name was popularized in France, where it has been in use since the Middle Ages, and is associated with the 4th-century Saint Anatolius. It saw notable use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in literary circles.
“Anatole” around the world
Where Anatole lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
255
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Anat, Tole
Sibling names for Anatole
Names that share Anatole's style, for a brother or sister.
