Rising since 2011, #1,959 for boys today.
Popularity of Cross since 1997
Babies named Cross per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 150 |
| 2000s | 470 |
| 2010s | 357 |
| 2020s | 398 |
Meaning & origin
Cross is an unusual modern name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1997. It has been rising steadily since 2011, reaching its peak popularity in 2025 with a rank of 1959, where about 1 in every 22,898 boys received the name. The name saw greatest use in Arkansas, Maryland, and Georgia. While Cross may evoke Christian imagery or the concept of a crossroads, its appeal likely lies in its brevity and strong, surname-like sound. Parents choosing Cross join a small but growing group, as the name's trajectory shows increasing adoption nationwide.
Cross is a modern given name drawn from the English word cross, itself from Old English cros, ultimately from Latin crux. It emerged as a first name in the late 20th century, likely as part of a trend of using surname-style or virtue names. The name may carry Christian connotations or simply reference a crossroads as a symbol of choice.
Where Cross is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Cross
Names that share Cross's style, for a brother or sister.
