Holding steady.
Popularity of Babe since 1880
Babies named Babe per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Babe's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 10 |
| 1890s | 20 | 21 |
| 1900s | 52 | 24 |
| 1910s | 115 | 66 |
| 1920s | 133 | 109 |
| 1930s | 58 | 75 |
| 1940s | 5 | 14 |
| 1950s | 0 | 11 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 10 |
| 1980s | 0 | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Babe has a unique history in the United States. First recorded in the Social Security data in 1890, it saw its highest usage in 1905, when it peaked in popularity. During that era, the name was closely associated with the legendary baseball player George Herman 'Babe' Ruth, whose fame likely influenced its upper-rank position. Despite its peak, Babe has never been a common given name, and its trajectory has been stable but minimal, with no recent resurgence. The name's enduring appeal lies in its affectionate, nostalgic quality, though it has largely fallen out of use as a formal first name.
Babe originated as a Middle English word for 'infant', derived from imitative baby talk. It has been used as a nickname or given name since at least the 19th century, often referencing a beloved child or a person of admired qualities. Its peak popularity in the United States occurred in 1905, when it ranked among the top names, largely influenced by the fame of baseball legend Babe Ruth.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Baby
Sibling names for Babe
Names that share Babe's style, for a brother or sister.
