Declining since 1985, #728 for boys today.
Popularity of Dustin since 1916
Babies named Dustin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 28 |
| 1920s | 53 |
| 1930s | 17 |
| 1940s | 196 |
| 1950s | 284 |
| 1960s | 1,594 |
| 1970s | 26,572 |
| 1980s | 97,314 |
| 1990s | 56,768 |
| 2000s | 16,539 |
| 2010s | 6,544 |
| 2020s | 2,432 |
Meaning & origin
Dustin is a name with a somewhat unclear past, likely rooted in either Norse mythology or English geography. Its modern popularity in the United States rose sharply in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1984 when it was most commonly used. Since 1985, its usage has declined steadily, and by 2025 it ranks 728th, with roughly 1 in 4,680 newborn boys receiving the name. The name saw its highest relative frequency in states like Montana, West Virginia, and Mississippi, reflecting a stronger preference in rural and southern regions. Dustin's trajectory as a falling name suggests it remains familiar but is no longer on the cutting edge of naming trends.
Dustin has two debated derivations. It may be a modern form of the Old Norse name Þorsteinn, composed of Þórr (Thor, the god of thunder) and steinn (stone). Alternatively, it could originate as an English surname from the Middle English word 'dust', referring to a dusty place or a person with a dusty complexion. The name has been used as a given name since the 19th century, but gained significant popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Dustin 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.
“Dustin” around the world
Where Dustin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dusty, Dust
Variants: Dustyn, Dustinne
Sibling names for Dustin
Names that share Dustin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Erin, Megan, Kelsey, Alyssa, Whitney, Amber, Brandi, Brittney, Tiara, Britny, Britteny, Brittnie, Christal, Christen, Cortney, Danelle, Kyrsten, Misti, Ashlea, Courtnee, Cristie, Devonna, Krislyn, Shandi, Shaunda, Whittney, Brandis, Breezy, Britanie, Brittanee, Cheyene, Cortni, Courtni, Crystle, Deatra, Denee, Desaray, Dezeray, Dustie, Jamye, Jenilee, Jessilyn, Kateland, Larinda, Lynzi, Marlayna, Sugey, Taralyn, Tawney, Tawnie, Timberly, Tyann, Whitnee, Whitnie, Amberlie, Brystal, Bryttany, Charmine, Chasitie, Crystol, Dustine, Kortnee, Krystalynn, Kursten, Rockell, Stormey, Bridney, Chelcy, Natina, Brentney, Britaney, Brittanni, Brittnei, Brittony, Chelci, Coriann, Crysten, Danine, Denina, Dustina, Jinnifer, Justene, Kandiss, Khristen, Kristalynn, Krystall, Krystl, Linday, Linsie, Shandee, Tiffony
Brothers: Tyler, Cody, Brandon, Derek, Justin, Trey, Britt, Jestin, Derrik, Juston, Brenten, Daiel, Dannon, Jeston, Justan, Randol, Trustin, Chadwin, Cordney, Derron, Jandel, Jasun, Justun
Names like Dustin
Names whose popularity has moved with Dustin's over the last 50 years.
