Holding steady, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Handsome since 1996
Babies named Handsome per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 50 |
| 2020s | 45 |
Meaning & origin
Handsome is a modern word name derived from the English adjective meaning attractive. It first appeared on U.S. Social Security records in 1996, reflecting the contemporary trend of using descriptive words as given names. The name reached its peak popularity in 2013, though it has remained relatively rare. In 2025, it ranked 7,679th, with approximately 1 in 170,808 newborn boys receiving the name. Its trajectory has been stable, without sharp declines or surges. The name is used across the United States without a strong regional concentration, as no single state saw notable usage. Handsome fits a broader pattern of word names that convey positive attributes, similar to Grace or Justice.
Handsome is a direct adoption of the English adjective handsome, which originally meant 'easy to handle or manipulate' in Middle English, evolving to denote 'good-looking' by the 16th century. Its use as a given name is a modern phenomenon, likely inspired by virtue names or as a stylish word name. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1996 and saw a peak in popularity in 2013.
Sibling names for Handsome
Names that share Handsome's style, for a brother or sister.
