A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Butch since 1919
Babies named Butch per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Butch's real moment was 1950.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 53 |
| 1940s | 646 |
| 1950s | 1,189 |
| 1960s | 740 |
| 1970s | 316 |
| 1980s | 211 |
| 1990s | 121 |
| 2000s | 73 |
| 2010s | 36 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Butch first entered U.S. birth records in 1919, a time when rugged nicknames were common. Its peak came in 1950, when it achieved its highest recorded usage. After a long decline, the name has seen a slight uptick since 2015, with a revival in the 1950s decade cohort. While it never ranked in the top 1000, its one-in-N ratio is unavailable, but the trend suggests a renewed interest in vintage, no-nonsense names. The name's trajectory shows a steady rise over the past ten years, indicating that parents may be rediscovering its straightforward charm.
Butch originated as a nickname in early 20th century America, derived from the English slang term 'butch', meaning 'tough' or 'masculine'. It was often used for boys with a rugged or assertive demeanor. The name gained some popularity in the mid-20th century but has since declined, though it remains in occasional use.
Sibling names for Butch
Names that share Butch's style, for a brother or sister.
