Declining since 2010, #3,780 for girls today.
Popularity of Berlin since 1899
Babies named Berlin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 0 | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 | 6 |
| 1910s | 10 | 232 |
| 1920s | 40 | 343 |
| 1930s | 0 | 226 |
| 1940s | 20 | 174 |
| 1950s | 0 | 117 |
| 1960s | 0 | 97 |
| 1970s | 0 | 62 |
| 1980s | 48 | 57 |
| 1990s | 169 | 41 |
| 2000s | 449 | 37 |
| 2010s | 743 | 81 |
| 2020s | 317 | 157 |
Meaning & origin
Berlin is a place name that saw its highest usage in the United States in 2011, reaching a peak rank before declining in recent years. As of 2025, the name ranked 3780th, with an estimated 1 in every 41,212 newborns receiving it. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1918 and has been used primarily for girls, though it remains gender-neutral in style. Its trend has been falling since about 2010, mirroring a broader shift away from some geographic names. Berlin has been most popular in New York, California, and Texas, states with large urban populations. The name's appeal likely stems from its cosmopolitan sound and association with a vibrant European capital, fitting a modern pattern of city names as personal names.
Berlin emerged as a given name in the United States in the 20th century, influenced by the German capital city. The city name Berlin is of Slavic derivation, from the Old Polabian word 'berl' meaning 'swamp' or 'marsh'. As a personal name, it has been used for both genders but is more common for girls. Its rise in the 2000s and 2010s fits a broader trend of place names adopted as first names.
Where Berlin is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Berry, Lin
Sibling names for Berlin
Names that share Berlin's style, for a brother or sister.
