Rising since 2000, #2,145 for boys today.
Popularity of Banner since 1916
Babies named Banner per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 23 |
| 1920s | 11 |
| 1930s | 10 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 22 |
| 2000s | 48 |
| 2010s | 306 |
| 2020s | 374 |
Meaning & origin
Banner is an English occupational surname turned given name, first recorded as a first name in 1916. In the latest year data (2025), it ranked 2,145, with about 1 in 25,494 boys receiving the name. The name peaked in 2025 at this rank, showing a consistent rising trajectory since 2000, particularly in states like Kansas, Texas, and Florida. It evokes a sense of leadership and distinctiveness, fitting contemporary naming trends that favor surname-style names with strong visual imagery.
Banner comes from the Old French 'baniere', derived from a Germanic root meaning a piece of cloth attached to a pole. Originally an occupational surname for a standard-bearer, it has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the early 20th century, likely influenced by its use as a surname and its patriotic connotations.
Where Banner is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ban, Banny
Sibling names for Banner
Names that share Banner's style, for a brother or sister.
