MallowbyNames

Cuba

KYOO-bə · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from the name of the country Cuba, or from a Native American term.

Peak popularity
1898
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Cuba since 1891

Babies named Cuba per year in U.S. Social Security records.

101929192019602000Most births 1898GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1890s660
1900s550
1910s1280
1920s15320
1930s790
1940s610
1950s160
1960s60
1970s50
1980s00
1990s017
2000s010
2010s00
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Cuba is an uncommon given name with a straightforward geographic origin. U.S. Social Security records show it first appearing in 1891, and its peak year was 1898 when it saw its highest number of recorded births. Since then, its trajectory has been stable but at very low levels of usage, with no recent surge in popularity. The name has never ranked nationally, reflecting its status as a rare choice. Its appeal likely lies in its exotic, place-name quality, similar to other location-inspired names like Dakota or Havana. Despite its rarity, Cuba has maintained a presence in the naming landscape for over a century, with occasional use across various states, though no single state stands out as a stronghold.

The name Cuba is a modern English given name, likely derived from the country name Cuba, which itself comes from the Taíno language. Its use as a first name dates to the late 19th century, with records showing sporadic usage since the 1890s. The name has never been common, remaining a rare choice primarily in the United States.

Sibling names for Cuba

Names that share Cuba's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Cuba, our favorite little boy.

C is for Cuba…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Cuba's letter becomes Cuba's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Cuba's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Cuba mean?
The meaning of Cuba is uncertain. It is thought to be taken from the country name, which is of Taíno origin.
How popular is the name Cuba?
Cuba is an extremely rare name. According to U.S. data, it has never ranked in the top 1000. Its peak usage was in 1898, but it remains consistently uncommon.
Is Cuba a boy or girl name?
Cuba is primarily used for boys, though it could be considered unisex. The social security data shows it recorded as a boy's name.