Rising since 2011, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Erdem since 2006
Babies named Erdem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 14 |
| 2010s | 68 |
| 2020s | 61 |
Meaning & origin
Erdem is a Turkish name meaning 'virtue' or 'moral excellence', rooted in Old Turkic. It first appeared in U.S. records in 2006 and has been rising in use since 2011. As of 2025, it ranks 8,243rd with a frequency of 1 in 189,786 births, and its peak popularity came in 2022. The name remains rare but carries strong cultural significance for families of Turkish heritage, reflecting values of integrity and honor. While not widely used in the U.S., its steady upward trajectory suggests growing awareness of Turkish names.
Erdem is a Turkish name derived from the Old Turkic word 'erdem', meaning 'virtue', 'valor', or 'moral excellence'. It is closely associated with the concept of moral integrity and honor. The name has been used in Turkey for centuries and gained modern popularity as a given name, particularly among Turkish families. It shares a root with the Arabic 'ird' (honor) but is firmly established as a Turkish name.
“Erdem” around the world
Where Erdem lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eri, Dem, Erdo
Variants: Erdems, Erdem
Sibling names for Erdem
Names that share Erdem's style, for a brother or sister.
