Declining since 1991, #851 for girls today.
Popularity of Chelsea since 1910
Babies named Chelsea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 24 |
| 1920s | 25 |
| 1930s | 15 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 292 |
| 1970s | 3,485 |
| 1980s | 43,163 |
| 1990s | 84,805 |
| 2000s | 18,024 |
| 2010s | 10,602 |
| 2020s | 2,413 |
Meaning & origin
Chelsea entered the U.S. name charts in 1910, but remained rare for decades. Its modern rise began in the late 1970s and accelerated dramatically after 1980, becoming a fixture of the 1990s. The name reached its peak rank of #851 in 1992, with an estimated 1 in 5,038 girls receiving the name that year. Since 1991 the name has been falling in usage, a trajectory that continues into 2025. Chelsea was particularly favored in states like Arkansas, North Carolina, and Illinois. The name's strong tie to the fashionable Chelsea district in London gave it an air of urban sophistication, making it a hallmark of the 1980s and 1990s alongside other place-name choices.
Chelsea is a place name derived from Old English 'cealc' (chalk) and 'hȳð' (landing place, wharf), referring to a chalky landing place on the River Thames. The area of Chelsea in London was historically a distinct settlement, later absorbed into the city. As a given name, it gained widespread popularity in the late 20th century, particularly after the birth of Chelsea Clinton in 1980.
Where Chelsea 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.
“Chelsea” around the world
Where Chelsea lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
75
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chels, Chell
Sibling names for Chelsea
Names that share Chelsea's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ashley, Kelsey, Brittany, Madison, Taylor, Courtney, Lacey, Leanna, Lindsey, Savannah, Ashli, Brittani, Brittnie, Cortney, Katelin, Lacee, Lynsey, Britani, Britnee, Britni, Brittny, Courtnee, Courtnie, Jaymi, Kaylene, Kelsee, Kyli, Lindsy, Shalynn, Ashlye, Brieana, Brithany, Brittainy, Brittanee, Kortnie, Lynsie, Lynzi, Nikkole, Britini, Britne, Brittne, Bryttani, Bryttany, Cristyn, Jenalee, Kasee, Nykole, Rickelle, Shelsey, Amberlea, Britainy, Britanee, Britnay, Brittnei, Brytney, Debany, Kelsye, Kyleeann, Seattle, Shellsea
Brothers: Brandon, Dylan, Jordan, Justin, Ryan, Bryant, Junior, Daulton, Jarret, Duston, Ontario
Names like Chelsea
Names whose popularity has moved with Chelsea's over the last 50 years.
