Declining since 1995, #1,743 for boys today.
Popularity of Deion since 1962
Babies named Deion per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 48 |
| 1970s | 72 |
| 1980s | 149 |
| 1990s | 2,695 |
| 2000s | 1,282 |
| 2010s | 1,175 |
| 2020s | 622 |
Meaning & origin
Deion entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1962, but it was the 1990s that saw its true ascent, peaking in 1996 when it ranked highest. The name's trajectory has been falling since 1995, yet it remains familiar thanks to the prominence of Hall of Fame athlete Deion Sanders. In 2025, Deion ranks 1743rd, with about 1 in every 18,366 boys receiving the name. Its strongest footholds are in Maryland, Texas, and Georgia, reflecting its cultural resonance in those regions. As a modern coinage, Deion lacks ancient roots but carries contemporary appeal.
Deion emerged in the 20th century as a modern coinage, possibly inspired by the name Dion or as a creative variation of names like Deyon. Its rise in popularity, especially in the United States during the 1990s, was influenced by the fame of athlete Deion Sanders. The name is most common among African American communities.
Where Deion 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: D, Dei
Variants: Deyon, Deionn
Sibling names for Deion
Names that share Deion's style, for a brother or sister.
