Declining since 2015, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Hannibal since 1885
Babies named Hannibal per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2015, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hannibal's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 40 |
| 1920s | 68 |
| 1930s | 31 |
| 1940s | 13 |
| 1950s | 15 |
| 1960s | 44 |
| 1970s | 88 |
| 1980s | 128 |
| 1990s | 84 |
| 2000s | 63 |
| 2010s | 137 |
| 2020s | 58 |
Meaning & origin
Hannibal is a name of ancient Phoenician origin, famously borne by the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca. Its use in the United States dates back to at least 1885, when it first appeared in Social Security records. The name reached its peak popularity in 1899, but has since become exceedingly rare. As of 2025, it ranked 10,695th, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 284,679 births. The name has experienced a declining trajectory since 2015, indicating it remains an uncommon choice. Its strong historical associations and dramatic sound give it a distinctive character, making it a bold choice for parents seeking a name with ancient gravitas.
Hannibal is derived from the Phoenician elements 'hann' (grace, favor) and 'ba'al' (lord, master), hence 'grace of Ba'al'. The name is best known from the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca (247-183/181 BCE), who famously crossed the Alps with war elephants to fight the Roman Republic. It saw occasional use in the United States from the late 19th century, likely influenced by the character Hannibal Lecter in Thomas Harris's novels, first appearing in 'Red Dragon' (1981), though the association with the ancient general has persisted.
“Hannibal” around the world
Where Hannibal lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Hannibal
Names that share Hannibal's style, for a brother or sister.
