Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Durham since 1915
Babies named Durham per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 25 |
| 1920s | 37 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 17 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 92 |
| 2020s | 46 |
Meaning & origin
Durham is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1915. It has never entered widespread use; its peak year was 2009, yet even then it remained exceptionally uncommon. As of 2025, the name ranked 10,695 and was given to roughly 1 in 284,679 newborns, with a stable trajectory over the decades. The name's locational origin from the historic city of Durham in England gives it a distinctive geographic and surname-like quality, appealing to families seeking an unexpected place name outside the mainstream. While no U.S. states recorded especially high usage, its steady, low-level presence suggests it persists as an occasional choice for those with a personal connection to Durham, such as alumni of Durham University or residents of the region.
Durham is a locational surname originating from the city of Durham in northeastern England. The city's name comes from Old English 'dun' (hill) and Old Norse 'holmr' (island or river meadow), referring to the hill on which the cathedral stands. It has been used as a given name rarely since the early 20th century, primarily by families with a connection to the place or surname.
Sibling names for Durham
Names that share Durham's style, for a brother or sister.
