MallowbyNames

Famous

FAY-mus · Meaning 'famous' or 'renowned', directly from the English word.

Peak popularity
2022
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022.

Popularity of Famous since 1925

Babies named Famous per year in U.S. Social Security records.

481219602000Most births 2022Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1920s11
1930s0
1940s7
1950s0
1960s20
1970s19
1980s0
1990s17
2000s27
2010s46
2020s46

Meaning & origin

Famous is a modern word name that directly conveys aspiration and notoriety. First recorded in 1925, the name saw a modest surge in the 2020s, with a peak year in 2022, but it has never cracked the top 1000. Its trajectory since 2022 has been falling, suggesting it may be a brief trend rather than a lasting staple. The name is primarily used for boys. As a vocabulary name, Famous fits within a broader cultural pattern of using positive, status-related words as given names, alongside counterparts like Legend and Royal. Despite its lack of historical depth, its meaning is transparent and universally understood.

Famous is a modern English word name adopted from the vocabulary word meaning 'well-known' or 'celebrated'. It fits the trend of using positive, aspirational words as given names, particularly in African American naming traditions. The name gained some visibility in the early 21st century but remains rare.

Sibling names for Famous

Names that share Famous's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

F is for Famous, our favorite little boy.

F is for Famous…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Famous's letter becomes Famous's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Famous's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Famous mean?
Famous is an English word name meaning 'famous' or 'renowned', directly taken from the vocabulary word.
How popular is the name Famous?
Famous has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000 for any year since 1925, but it saw a peak in usage in 2022, with several dozen births recorded that year. Its usage has declined slightly since then.
Is Famous a boy's name or a girl's name?
Famous is used for both boys and girls, but our data shows it has been more commonly given to boys in recent years.