Holding steady, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Buchanan since 1996
Babies named Buchanan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 30 |
| 2020s | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Buchanan is a rare Scottish surname-turned-first-name that first appeared on U.S. Social Security records in 1996. Since then, it has remained consistently uncommon, with its peak usage occurring in 2022 when it ranked 6,446th. The name has not been recorded in any top states, reflecting its scattered, low-frequency use across the country. For parents seeking a distinctly Scottish surname as a first name, Buchanan offers a recognizable yet uncommon option.
Buchanan is a Scottish surname derived from the place name Buchanan in Stirlingshire. The name likely comes from Scottish Gaelic 'bùth' (house) and 'chanain' (of the canon). It has been used as a given name since the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name list in 1996.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Buck
Sibling names for Buchanan
Names that share Buchanan's style, for a brother or sister.
