Declining since 2018.
Popularity of Baldwin since 1880
Babies named Baldwin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1965, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Baldwin's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 67 |
| 1920s | 86 |
| 1930s | 40 |
| 1940s | 17 |
| 1950s | 51 |
| 1960s | 64 |
| 1970s | 18 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 66 |
| 2010s | 58 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Baldwin is a Germanic name meaning 'bold friend,' and it has a distinguished history in Europe, especially among Norman nobility and Flemish counts. In the United States, Baldwin first appeared in Social Security records in 1880, its peak year, but it has never been a common name. Since 2018, its usage has been steadily declining, and it currently ranks outside the top 1000. The name is most familiar as a surname, with notable bearers like the Baldwin acting family, but as a given name it remains rare. Despite its low modern frequency, Baldwin retains a strong, traditional feel that might appeal to parents seeking an old-world, historic name with a clear meaning.
Baldwin derives from the Old High German elements 'bald' (bold, brave) and 'wini' (friend). It was introduced to England by the Normans and was common in the Middle Ages, especially as a surname. The name also has a long history in the Low Countries, borne by several counts of Flanders.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Baldie
Variants: Baudouin, Baldovino
Sibling names for Baldwin
Names that share Baldwin's style, for a brother or sister.
