Declining since 1985, #542 for girls today.
Popularity of April since 1917
Babies named April per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 14 |
| 1920s | 111 |
| 1930s | 196 |
| 1940s | 2,959 |
| 1950s | 10,176 |
| 1960s | 28,306 |
| 1970s | 76,946 |
| 1980s | 75,950 |
| 1990s | 25,772 |
| 2000s | 11,420 |
| 2010s | 7,554 |
| 2020s | 3,521 |
Meaning & origin
April, first recorded as a given name in 1917, enjoyed its peak popularity in 1980, when it ranked highest among American baby names. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting a broader shift away from month names. In 2025, it ranks 542, with about 1 in every 2,886 girls receiving the name. April is most frequently chosen in the U.S. states of Maryland, Nevada, and Virginia, suggesting regional preferences for this floral month name. Its association with spring renewal keeps it recognizable, though it is less common than in earlier decades.
April derives from the Latin Aprilis, the fourth month of the Roman calendar. The name's ultimate origin is uncertain; it may be related to the Latin verb aperire, meaning 'to open,' in reference to the opening of flowers and spring. The month name has been used as a given name for girls since the early 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where April is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“April” around the world
Where April lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
135
babies in 2024
Ireland
15
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ape, Apri, Prilly
Variants: Abril
Sibling names for April
Names that share April's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like April
Names whose popularity has moved with April's over the last 50 years.
