A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Blanche since 1880
Babies named Blanche per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Blanche's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6,925 |
| 1890s | 10,860 |
| 1900s | 11,730 |
| 1910s | 21,977 |
| 1920s | 19,619 |
| 1930s | 7,496 |
| 1940s | 4,017 |
| 1950s | 2,652 |
| 1960s | 1,187 |
| 1970s | 394 |
| 1980s | 226 |
| 1990s | 147 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 60 |
| 2020s | 59 |
Meaning & origin
Blanche is a French-derived name meaning 'white' or 'fair', with a long history tied to European royalty and medieval European culture. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, and its peak year was 1884, reflecting its strong 19th-century popularity in the '1880s' decade. After a long decline, Blanche has been rising again since 2018, and today it is given to about 1 in 100,454 newborns, as of the latest data from 2025. This recent trajectory, while still relatively uncommon, suggests a nostalgic revival, especially among parents drawn to vintage or old-fashioned names. The name's enduring simplicity and classic sound continue to appeal to those seeking a traditional yet distinctive choice.
Derived from the Old French word blanche, feminine form of blanc meaning 'white'. The name was introduced to England by the Normans and was common in medieval times, notably borne by Blanche of Castile (13th century) and other European royalty. It fell from favor in the mid-20th century but has seen a revival in recent years.
Where Blanche is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Blanche” around the world
Where Blanche lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
185
babies in 2024
Quebec
46
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Blanchie
Sibling names for Blanche
Names that share Blanche's style, for a brother or sister.
