Declining since 2013, #2,051 for girls today.
Popularity of Blythe since 1897
Babies named Blythe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 | 0 |
| 1900s | 6 | 0 |
| 1910s | 41 | 15 |
| 1920s | 58 | 10 |
| 1930s | 38 | 0 |
| 1940s | 97 | 12 |
| 1950s | 218 | 10 |
| 1960s | 238 | 5 |
| 1970s | 583 | 5 |
| 1980s | 687 | 0 |
| 1990s | 512 | 47 |
| 2000s | 720 | 64 |
| 2010s | 1,378 | 65 |
| 2020s | 586 | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Blythe is an English name meaning 'joyful' or 'carefree,' derived from Old English blīþe. It was first recorded as a given name in 1897 and has seen periodic use over the decades. It reached its highest popularity in 2013, but has since been in decline. In 2025, only about 1 in 17,470 girls were named Blythe, ranking it 2051st. The name remains more common in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Its gentle sound and positive meaning appeal to parents seeking an uncommon yet familiar choice, though its trajectory has been falling since its peak year.
Blythe derives from the Old English word blīþe meaning 'joyful' or 'gentle.' It was used as a surname before gaining popularity as a given name in the 19th century. The name experienced a revival in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly for girls, and has been used in literature, such as in the works of John Galsworthy.
Where Blythe 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bly
Variants: Blithe
Sibling names for Blythe
Names that share Blythe's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Clare, Maeve, Pearl, Iris, June, Ashby, Cameo, Solange, Alayne, Dene, Cachet, Cybill, Joyous, Mliss
Brothers: Graham, Grant, Reid, Seth, Dean, Gale, Kip, Alston, Blane, Blanton, Dreux, Kenric, Lamond, Rockford, Avon, Blain, Brees, Calhoun, Chatham, Corday, Grayling, Hall, Koy, Churchill, Gadge, Power, Rushton, Savoy, Staton
