Holding steady.
Popularity of English since 1889
Babies named English per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 | 0 |
| 1910s | 0 | 39 |
| 1920s | 0 | 57 |
| 1930s | 0 | 23 |
| 1940s | 0 | 22 |
| 1950s | 0 | 35 |
| 1960s | 10 | 0 |
| 1970s | 40 | 0 |
| 1980s | 116 | 0 |
| 1990s | 89 | 5 |
| 2000s | 5 | 0 |
| 2010s | 5 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name English is a straightforward adoption of the word that refers to the language, people, and culture of England. It first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1961, a time when parents began experimenting with word names and geographic terms as given names. This name has never broken into the top 1000 rankings, reflecting its rarity. Its peak year came in 1983, after which usage has remained stable but low. Because it is a modern coinage rather than a name with ancient roots, English does not carry traditional etymological depth; its meaning is entirely self-evident. Parents who choose English may be expressing an affinity for English heritage, language, or literature. The name has no recorded top state concentrations, suggesting that its use is scattered rather than regionally concentrated. Overall, English remains a niche choice, appealing to those seeking an uncommon and directly referential name.
English is a direct adoption of the word denoting the language, people, or things associated with England. As a given name, it is a modern invention, first recorded in the United States in 1961 during a period when place names and abstract word names became fashionable. It has never achieved widespread popularity, with its highest rank occurring in 1983.
Sibling names for English
Names that share English's style, for a brother or sister.
