Rising since 2014, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Baby since 1912
Babies named Baby per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 66 | 5 |
| 1920s | 251 | 101 |
| 1930s | 174 | 77 |
| 1940s | 88 | 22 |
| 1950s | 48 | 25 |
| 1960s | 15 | 0 |
| 1970s | 169 | 215 |
| 1980s | 867 | 1,042 |
| 1990s | 2,616 | 2,952 |
| 2000s | 1,439 | 1,523 |
| 2010s | 223 | 229 |
| 2020s | 151 | 183 |
Meaning & origin
The name Baby is a rare but enduring word name, used as a given name since at least 1919. Its peak year was 1994, and it has been rising in usage since 2014. While never common, it appears consistently across decades, reflecting the appeal of affectionate, informal names. As of 2025, it ranks 6,143rd in the U.S., with a frequency of about 1 in 122,005 newborns. Its use is not concentrated in any particular state, suggesting widespread but sparse adoption as a personal name.
Baby is derived directly from the English word 'baby,' meaning an infant or young child. It has been used as a term of endearment for centuries, but its use as a personal name emerged in the 20th century, likely influenced by affectionate nicknames and the trend of using word names. It is rare as a formal given name but appears in records from the early 1900s onward.
Where Baby is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Baby
Names that share Baby's style, for a brother or sister.
