Declining since 1985, #2,765 for boys today.
Popularity of Dwight since 1880
Babies named Dwight per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 185 |
| 1890s | 277 |
| 1900s | 455 |
| 1910s | 2,686 |
| 1920s | 4,560 |
| 1930s | 4,895 |
| 1940s | 12,864 |
| 1950s | 20,848 |
| 1960s | 13,010 |
| 1970s | 7,003 |
| 1980s | 5,166 |
| 1990s | 3,401 |
| 2000s | 1,723 |
| 2010s | 1,144 |
| 2020s | 370 |
Meaning & origin
Dwight is a traditionally masculine name whose popularity peaked in 1953, when it ranked highest in the United States. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining, and in 2025 it ranked 2765th, with approximately 1 in 37,132 boys receiving the name. The name has roots in an English surname, possibly derived from the Dutch 'de Witte', meaning 'the white' or 'the blonde'. Its adoption as a first name in the United States owes much to figures like Timothy Dwight IV, an early president of Yale University, and later to notable individuals such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Although no longer a common choice, Dwight retains a classic, no-nonsense image. Its top states by usage include California, suggesting a regional component to its distribution.
Dwight is of uncertain origin, most likely derived from the English surname Dwite, which may be a variant of the Dutch 'de Witte' meaning 'the white' or 'the blonde'. The name gained traction in the United States in the 19th century, partly due to the influence of Yale University president Timothy Dwight IV. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century, with a notable peak in the mid-20th century.
Where Dwight 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
Sibling names for Dwight
Names that share Dwight's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Dwight
Names whose popularity has moved with Dwight's over the last 50 years.
