A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ebba since 1888
Babies named Ebba per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1898, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ebba's real moment was 1888.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 31 |
| 1890s | 175 |
| 1900s | 143 |
| 1910s | 189 |
| 1920s | 109 |
| 1930s | 23 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 18 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 26 |
| 2010s | 108 |
| 2020s | 92 |
Meaning & origin
Ebba is a Scandinavian name with deep historical roots, first recorded in the U.S. in 1888, the same year it reached its peak rank at 4,987. After a long period of infrequent use, it began rising again since 2003, reflecting a revival of vintage Nordic names. In 2025, the name was given to approximately 1 in 61,818 newborn girls, with Texas being the top state for usage. Its strong meaning and concise pronunciation make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with heritage.
Ebba is a feminine name of Old Norse origin, derived from the element 'ebbe' meaning 'boar', thus symbolizing strength and courage. It has been used in Sweden since the 18th century and gained popularity in the 1880s. The name also serves as a short form of various Germanic names containing the element 'eber' (boar).
Where Ebba is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ebby, Ebs
Variants: Ebbe
Sibling names for Ebba
Names that share Ebba's style, for a brother or sister.
