Holding steady.
Popularity of Babak since 1968
Babies named Babak per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 77 |
| 1980s | 144 |
| 1990s | 49 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Babak is a Persian male name with a heroic historical legacy, most famously tied to Babak Khorramdin, a 9th-century resistance leader. Despite its strong cultural resonance within Iranian communities, Babak has maintained a very low profile in the United States. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1968 and reached its highest usage in 1987, though it never entered the top 1,000. The name has shown a stable trajectory in the decades since, remaining a rare choice. In 2025, its popularity remains minimal, with no rank recorded. Babak's Persian origin and association with courage give it a distinct identity, while its rarity in the U.S. offers a unique option for families seeking a name with deep roots. The name is not recorded as appearing in any top states, indicating its usage is scattered.
Babak is a Persian male name derived from the Middle Persian name Pāpak, meaning 'father' or 'young father,' often interpreted as 'brave' or 'heroic.' Historically, it is associated with Babak Khorramdin, a 9th-century Persian revolutionary leader who resisted Arab rule. The name remains common in Iran and in the Iranian diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Babi
Variants: Papak
Sibling names for Babak
Names that share Babak's style, for a brother or sister.
