Declining since 2013, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of December since 1960
Babies named December per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 64 |
| 1970s | 160 |
| 1980s | 225 |
| 1990s | 299 |
| 2000s | 320 |
| 2010s | 357 |
| 2020s | 183 |
Meaning & origin
December is a rare seasonal name that first entered U.S. baby name records in 1960. It reached its peak popularity in 2012 but has been declining since 2013. As of the latest data in 2025, the name ranked 5,722, with a frequency of 1 in 76,537 newborn girls. This makes it significantly less common than other month names like April or August, though it has a distinct wintry charm. The name has no strong association with any particular U.S. state and is used sporadically across the country. As a modern coinage from a calendar term, December appeals to parents seeking an unconventional yet recognizable name, often paired with siblings like January or Autumn.
December derives from the Latin word 'decem' meaning ten, as it was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar. The name has been used as a given name, primarily for girls, since the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries, likely inspired by other month names like April, June, or May. Its usage remains rare but has gained some attention as a distinctive seasonal choice.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ember, Dee, Deci
Sibling names for December
Names that share December's style, for a brother or sister.
