Declining since 2011, #3,848 for boys today.
Popularity of Eben since 1880
Babies named Eben per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Eben's real moment was 1888.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 76 |
| 1890s | 37 |
| 1900s | 18 |
| 1910s | 173 |
| 1920s | 180 |
| 1930s | 107 |
| 1940s | 124 |
| 1950s | 149 |
| 1960s | 185 |
| 1970s | 341 |
| 1980s | 350 |
| 1990s | 282 |
| 2000s | 632 |
| 2010s | 711 |
| 2020s | 243 |
Meaning & origin
Eben, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'stone of help,' was most popular in the late 19th century, peaking in 1888. It saw steady use in the 1880s, particularly in Florida, where it appeared most frequently. In recent years, its popularity has been falling steadily since 2011. As of 2025, only about 1 in 61,003 newborns receive this name, ranking it 3,848th. While never a common choice, Eben carries a strong biblical heritage and a concise, sturdy sound that appeals to parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon name.
Eben is a short form of the Hebrew name 'Eben-ezer' (Even Ha'ezer), meaning 'stone of help.' In the Old Testament, Samuel set up a stone called Ebenezer to commemorate divine assistance. As a standalone name, Eben gained use in English-speaking countries, particularly among Puritans and later in the 19th century.
Where Eben is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Eben” around the world
Where Eben lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ebeneezer
Sibling names for Eben
Names that share Eben's style, for a brother or sister.
