Rising since 1992, #853 for boys today.
Popularity of Bear since 1975
Babies named Bear per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 172 |
| 2010s | 1,405 |
| 2020s | 1,757 |
Meaning & origin
Bear is a striking word name that has steadily climbed the charts since the early 1990s. First recorded in 1975, it remained extremely rare for nearly two decades before beginning its ascent in 1992. The name reached its peak popularity in 2022, ranking 853rd nationally in 2025, with about 1 in every 5,972 baby boys receiving the name. Its top states include Utah, Oregon, and Oklahoma, reflecting a particular affinity in the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest. Bear fits a broader trend of nature-inspired names and is often chosen for its bold, rugged image. While it remains relatively uncommon, its trajectory suggests continued growth, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and grounded in the natural world.
Bear emerged as a given name in the 1970s, initially as a nickname for surnames or as a translation of names like Bernard (from Old English 'beorn' meaning warrior, but conflated with the animal). Its rise to use as a standalone first name reflects a broader trend of nature-inspired and word names. The name gained visibility through celebrity usage, such as Bear Grylls (born Edward Michael Grylls), and has seen increasing popularity since the 1990s.
Where Bear is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bear” around the world
Where Bear lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bear-Bear, Beary
Variants: Behr
Sibling names for Bear
Names that share Bear's style, for a brother or sister.
