Rising since 2015, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Atilla since 1974
Babies named Atilla per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Atilla's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 51 |
| 2010s | 22 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Atilla is a name with a powerful historical legacy, most famously borne by Attila the Hun, who ruled from 434 to 453 AD. Despite this ancient association, the name has only recently seen use in the United States, first recorded in 1974. As of 2025, it ranked #7194, with a 1-in-155,280 incidence among newborn boys. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 2015, and it achieved its peak rank in 2025, though it remains relatively rare. The name is most common in Hungary and among families of Hungarian descent, reflecting its cultural significance there. While its exact meaning is debated, the name's strong sound and historical weight continue to appeal to parents seeking a distinctive choice.
The name Atilla is best known as the name of the 5th-century ruler of the Huns, but its etymology is debated. One theory derives it from Gothic atta (father) with a diminutive suffix, giving 'little father'. Another suggests it comes from Turkish/Mongolian *ata* (father) or *at* (horse), making it possibly mean 'fatherly' or 'horseman'. In Hungary, it remains a common masculine given name, honoring the legendary figure Attila the Hun.
“Atilla” around the world
Where Atilla lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ati, Tilla
Variants: Attila, Atila
Sibling names for Atilla
Names that share Atilla's style, for a brother or sister.
