Rising since 2012, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Fraser since 1915
Babies named Fraser per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 34 |
| 1920s | 21 |
| 1930s | 18 |
| 1940s | 47 |
| 1950s | 38 |
| 1960s | 50 |
| 1970s | 18 |
| 1980s | 63 |
| 1990s | 73 |
| 2000s | 51 |
| 2010s | 49 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Once known primarily as a Scottish surname, Fraser has been steadily rising as a first name for boys in the United States since 2012, a trend that continued into 2025 when it ranked 5608. Despite its low overall rank, its trajectory shows increasing appeal, with a peak in 2024. The name's rarity is underscored by its 1-in-106,755 frequency, making it a distinctive choice. Though no single state has concentrated use, the name's Scottish roots and strong consonant sound appeal to parents seeking a classic yet uncommon option. Its use dates back to 1915 in U.S. records, but the recent steady rise suggests a modern revival fueled by cultural affinity for Scottish heritage and the appeal of surname-style first names.
Fraser is a Scottish surname turned given name, most likely derived from the French word 'fraise' meaning 'strawberry', or possibly 'fraisier' meaning 'strawberry plant'. Another theory connects it to a Gaelic term for 'curly-haired'. The Clan Fraser has been prominent in Scottish history since the 12th century, and the name has been used as a first name since the 20th century, gaining modest popularity in the 2020s.
“Fraser” around the world
Where Fraser lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fraz, Fray
Sibling names for Fraser
Names that share Fraser's style, for a brother or sister.
