Rising since 1998, #1,728 for boys today.
Popularity of Draco since 1997
Babies named Draco per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 21 |
| 2000s | 196 |
| 2010s | 456 |
| 2020s | 751 |
Meaning & origin
Draco entered the U.S. naming charts in 1997, the same year the first Harry Potter book introduced Draco Malfoy, a rival to the hero. The name rose steadily from a rank of 1,728 in 2025 with roughly 1 in 18,171 boys receiving it, reaching its peak rank and year in 2021. Its trajectory has been consistently rising since 1998, reflecting the enduring influence of the book and film series. The name is especially popular in Georgia, California, and Texas, states where the franchise maintained a strong following. While Draco has ancient Roman and Greek roots, its modern usage is dominantly literary, making it a distinctive choice for parents inspired by the series.
Draco is most familiar as a Latin cognomen meaning 'dragon' or 'serpent', derived from Greek δράκων (drakon). In Roman history, it was borne by a prominent 5th-century BC legislator, though the modern usage is heavily influenced by the character Draco Malfoy from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series (first published 1997). The name's revival in the late 1990s coincides with the series' popularity. Despite its ancient roots, its modern use is largely a literary coinage of the late 20th century, and its meaning is commonly understood as 'dragon'.
Where Draco is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Draco
Names that share Draco's style, for a brother or sister.
