Holding steady.
Popularity of Chen since 1977
Babies named Chen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 7 |
| 1980s | 5 | 20 |
| 1990s | 23 | 39 |
| 2000s | 24 | 50 |
| 2010s | 5 | 55 |
| 2020s | 0 | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Chen is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1977. Its usage peaked in 1983, but it has never entered the top 1000 and remains a highly uncommon choice. The name is most likely a transferred use of the widespread Chinese surname Chen, but as a given name it functions as a modern, minimalist choice. Its trajectory has been stable, with no significant revival or decline. Because of its rarity, Chen has no associated top states and a very low one-in-N incidence.
Chen first appeared in U.S. records in 1977. It may be a transferred use of the Chinese surname Chen, but its adoption as a given name in English-speaking countries appears to be a modern coinage, likely influenced by the surname's familiarity. Its usage has remained very rare, peaking in 1983 and remaining stable since.
Sibling names for Chen
Names that share Chen's style, for a brother or sister.
