Holding steady, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Attila since 1958
Babies named Attila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 24 |
| 1960s | 134 |
| 1970s | 95 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 64 |
| 2000s | 119 |
| 2010s | 107 |
| 2020s | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Attila is a rare name in the United States, with a first recorded use in the Social Security Administration data in 1958. As of 2025, it ranked 6,803 nationally, meaning approximately 1 in 142,340 baby boys received the name. The name reached its peak popularity in 2014, though it has always been uncommon. Its trajectory is stable, indicating consistent but low usage over recent decades. Despite its scarcity, Attila carries strong historical resonance due to its association with the 5th-century Hunnic ruler, which likely contributes to its appeal among parents seeking a bold and historically significant name.
The name Attila is most famously associated with Attila the Hun, the 5th-century ruler of the Hunnic Empire. The etymology is debated: it may come from a Gothic word meaning 'little father' (from *atta* 'father' plus a diminutive suffix -ila), or from a Turkic source meaning 'horseman' or 'great ruler'. In modern times, the name has been used occasionally in Europe and the United States, often with an association to the historical figure.
“Attila” around the world
Where Attila lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Atilla, Atila
Sibling names for Attila
Names that share Attila's style, for a brother or sister.
