A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Booker since 1882
Babies named Booker per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Booker's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 16 |
| 1890s | 79 |
| 1900s | 809 |
| 1910s | 2,051 |
| 1920s | 1,769 |
| 1930s | 1,542 |
| 1940s | 1,548 |
| 1950s | 1,187 |
| 1960s | 614 |
| 1970s | 425 |
| 1980s | 295 |
| 1990s | 217 |
| 2000s | 188 |
| 2010s | 552 |
| 2020s | 938 |
Meaning & origin
Booker is a name with an occupational origin, rooted in the medieval trade of bookmaking and scholarship. After peaking in popularity in 1910, the name fell out of common use but has been steadily rising again since 2003, reflecting a broader trend of reviving surname-style names from the early 20th century. In 2025, Booker ranked 1159th nationally, with a frequency of 1 in 9,489 births. Its highest concentration of use remains in states like Idaho, Oregon, and Kentucky, suggesting a regional appeal.
Booker is an English occupational surname derived from Middle English 'bokere', referring to a scribe, bookbinder, or someone who made or sold books. It was also used for a scholar or literate person. As a given name, it has been in use since the late 19th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Booker is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Book
Variants: Booker
Sibling names for Booker
Names that share Booker's style, for a brother or sister.
