Rising since 1989, #176 for girls today.
Popularity of Freya since 1931
Babies named Freya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 13 |
| 1940s | 166 |
| 1950s | 70 |
| 1960s | 54 |
| 1970s | 131 |
| 1980s | 121 |
| 1990s | 180 |
| 2000s | 772 |
| 2010s | 6,960 |
| 2020s | 11,354 |
Meaning & origin
Freya has charted a remarkable upward trajectory in the United States. First recorded in 1931 but virtually unseen for decades, it began its modern ascent in 1989 and has climbed ever since. By 2022 it reached its peak rank nationwide, and in 2025 it placed 176th with a frequency of 1 in 921 births. Its strongest states are Alaska, Vermont, and Wyoming, regions where Nordic heritage and nature-inspired names resonate. The name's mythological origin as the Norse goddess of love and beauty gives it a powerful, elegant aura that fits contemporary tastes for strong female names with ancient roots. While still far from the top 10, Freya's steady rise over more than three decades suggests enduring appeal among parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and storied.
Freya is the Anglicized form of the Old Norse name Freyja, meaning 'lady' or 'mistress.' In Norse mythology, Freyja was a goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, war, and death. The name has been used in Scandinavia for centuries but saw limited use in the English-speaking world until the late 20th century, when mythological names became fashionable.
Where Freya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Freya” around the world
Where Freya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
85
babies in 2024
Ireland
#25
in 2025
New Zealand
#18
in 2025
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#49
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Frey, Freya
Sibling names for Freya
Names that share Freya's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Astrid, Ingrid, Sigrid, Elsa, Linnea, Aila, Davina, Elli, Hilda, Isis, Isla, Lennon, Liv, Lorna, Milani, Nova, Remi, Elin, Eowyn, Euna, Juno, Siri, Thora, Thyra, Valkyrie, Ailie, Ailsa, Anneka, Arna, Caira, Edda, Erla, Evanna, Gerda, Hildur, Lockie, Rorie, Shilah, Tamsin, Alwilda, Beyla, Disa, Djuna, Halla, Jordis, Kelda, Lilja, Thyri, Torvi, Neave, Airlie, Aisla, Alvilda, Astryd, Brynja, Ceana, Dagny, Daisymae, Eilidh, Elfida, Elowen, Haide, Hedda, Hela, Imrie, Inanna, Ingri, Lillymae, Maeryn, Maisee, Skadi, Veleda
Brothers: Thor, Loki, Bjorn, Leif, Erik, Alaric, Atlas, Axel, Callum, Cassian, Gunnar, Kristofer, Magnus, Odin, Soren, Aksel, Bastian, Calum, Einar, Ewan, Finlay, Gregor, Ivar, Iver, Mattias, Niels, Oden, Oskar, Rolf, Steffen, Stellan, Sven, Asta, Axell, Eryk, Esgar, Isak, Kallum, Kalum, Keir, Marten, Oslo, Ragnar, Rollo, Roran, Rune, Sigurd, Steffon, Tor, Tyr, Valdemar, Viggo, Alarik, Aleister, Arran, Attila, Behr, Esten, Ewen, Findlay, Henning, Jorah, Leith, Lief, Odyn, Olson, Ramsay, Rorik, Thoren, Thorin, Wilkie, Wylan, Alistar, Auryn, Aarik, Alarick, Alrick, Andrus, Aragorn, Drakkar, Edrik, Egon, Fenrir, Fenris, Gotti, Havard, Hilmar, Jago, Jarl, Joakim, Kristjan, Nikolaj, Odinn, Renton, Taika, Thanos, Thorvald
Names like Freya
Names whose popularity has moved with Freya's over the last 50 years.
