Holding steady.
Popularity of Cougar since 1987
Babies named Cougar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 19 |
| 1990s | 45 |
| 2000s | 125 |
| 2010s | 17 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cougar is a rare modern nature name that first entered American birth records in 1987, reflecting a broader trend of adopting wildlife names. It peaked in usage in 2007 but has not achieved widespread popularity, with its trajectory remaining stable. As a name, Cougar carries a strong, wild image, evoking the sleek and powerful mountain lion. While it has not been a top 1000 name in any year, its unique quality appeals to parents seeking an unconventional choice.
Cougar is a modern coinage directly taken from the English name of the mountain lion (Puma concolor). The animal's name entered English in the late 18th century via Portuguese çuçuarana, from Tupi susuarana. As a given name, Cougar began appearing in the late 1980s, likely influenced by the popularity of nature-themed and animal names. It has seen occasional use in the United States since 1987, with a peak in 2007.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Coog
Sibling names for Cougar
Names that share Cougar's style, for a brother or sister.
