Rising since 1989, #561 for boys today.
Popularity of Deacon since 1971
Babies named Deacon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 107 |
| 1980s | 87 |
| 1990s | 142 |
| 2000s | 2,345 |
| 2010s | 5,506 |
| 2020s | 3,383 |
Meaning & origin
Deacon is a religious occupational name that has seen a steady climb in popularity since the late 1980s. First recorded as a given name in 1971, it reached its peak rank of 561 in 2025, with roughly 1 in 3,229 boys receiving the name that year. The name has been particularly well-received in states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Nebraska, where it ranks among the top choices. Deacon's trajectory is one of consistent growth: after a long period of relative obscurity, it began rising around 1989 and has maintained an upward trend through the 2010s and 2020s. Parents are drawn to its strong biblical roots and the virtuous connotation of service, making it a distinctive yet familiar choice in the modern naming landscape.
Derived from the Greek word 'diakonos' meaning 'servant' or 'minister'. The name entered English via the ecclesiastical title, used in the Bible and early Christian church. As a given name, it gained popularity in the United States beginning in the late 20th century, particularly among families with religious ties.
Where Deacon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Deacon” around the world
Where Deacon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dean, Deac
Sibling names for Deacon
Names that share Deacon's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Deacon
Names whose popularity has moved with Deacon's over the last 50 years.
