Rising since 1987, #266 for girls today.
Popularity of Aspen since 1973
Babies named Aspen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 135 | 0 |
| 1980s | 467 | 0 |
| 1990s | 2,735 | 305 |
| 2000s | 4,888 | 452 |
| 2010s | 8,393 | 966 |
| 2020s | 8,108 | 1,287 |
Meaning & origin
Aspen entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1973 and has been rising in popularity, especially since 1987. It reached its peak rank in 2022 and as of 2025 sits at rank 266, with about 1 in 1,363 girls receiving the name. The name is most popular in Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho, reflecting its strong association with mountainous, outdoor-oriented regions. Aspen fits squarely within the modern trend of using nature words as names, alongside Willow and Hazel, and its appeal is buoyed by the glamorous yet rustic image of the Colorado ski resort.
Aspen is derived directly from the English word for a type of poplar tree, known for its trembling leaves. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, part of a trend of nature-inspired names. It is also associated with the ski resort Aspen, Colorado, lending a fashionable, outdoorsy appeal.
Where Aspen 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: As, Pennie
Sibling names for Aspen
Names that share Aspen's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Willow, Hazel, Juniper, Sage, Ivy, Demi, Montana, Alaska, Berlin, Denali, Sedona, Mesa, Montanna, Scotland, Tenaya, Vail, Cheynne, Juneau, Kenosha, Kynslei, Steely, Wyllow, Tulsa, Dacotah, Oaklei, Portland, Seattle, Timberlee
Brothers: Forrest, River, Cedar, Briar, Phoenix, Colter, Bridger, Canyon, Denver, Kashmir, Brixton, Everest, Oakland, Stoney, Summit, Montreal, Oak, Oaklen, Rexton, Vegas, Oaken, Acer, Frisco
Names like Aspen
Names whose popularity has moved with Aspen's over the last 50 years.
