A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Gordon since 1880
Babies named Gordon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1952, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gordon's real moment was 1934.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 499 |
| 1890s | 939 |
| 1900s | 1,642 |
| 1910s | 13,641 |
| 1920s | 25,622 |
| 1930s | 25,460 |
| 1940s | 24,468 |
| 1950s | 25,741 |
| 1960s | 15,832 |
| 1970s | 6,583 |
| 1980s | 5,030 |
| 1990s | 3,532 |
| 2000s | 2,304 |
| 2010s | 2,283 |
| 2020s | 1,333 |
Meaning & origin
Gordon is a Scottish name that has seen varied popularity in the United States. It first appeared in official records in 1880, and reached its peak rank of 1051 in 1934, when it was most common. After a long decline, the name has been rising in popularity since 2010, with a revival especially noticeable in the 1930s decade. In 2025, about 1 in 8,173 boys were named Gordon. The name has been particularly favored in states like Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan. As a classic Scottish surname-turned-first-name, Gordon carries a strong, straightforward sound with historical weight, appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon choice.
Gordon originated as a Scottish surname derived from the place name Gordon in Berwickshire, itself from Old Welsh gor (spacious) and din (fort). The name was borne by the powerful Gordon clan. It came into use as a given name in the 19th century, partly popularized by the British general Charles George Gordon (known as Gordon of Khartoum).
Where Gordon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gordy
Sibling names for Gordon
Names that share Gordon's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eleanor, Margaret, Louise, Helen, Catherine, Dorene, Roslyn, Shirlee, Corliss, Delinda, Dyanne, Glena, Glenice, Jearldine, Merilee, Darlis, Doreena, Gaylia, Lesle, Rosland, Grisell, Dorrine, Glorian, Sharlynn
Brothers: Malcolm, Angus, Douglas, Bruce, Alistair, Craig, Glen, Murray, Wallace, Kennith, Sheldon, Donnis, Lorne, Rodman, Sherwin, Carlon, Clenton, Gergory, Glendale, Haig, Cleland, Duglas, Meldon, Waldron, Kinneth, Derec, Donaldson, Geral, Glenroy, Malcomb
Names like Gordon
Names whose popularity has moved with Gordon's over the last 50 years.
