Declining since 1985, #929 for boys today.
Popularity of Heath since 1913
Babies named Heath per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 45 |
| 1920s | 83 |
| 1930s | 40 |
| 1940s | 63 |
| 1950s | 52 |
| 1960s | 2,101 |
| 1970s | 10,814 |
| 1980s | 6,519 |
| 1990s | 3,219 |
| 2000s | 2,631 |
| 2010s | 2,483 |
| 2020s | 1,473 |
Meaning & origin
Heath is a name of English origin derived from the Old English word 'hǣþ' for heathland. It was originally a surname used for those who lived near such terrain. Heath first entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1913 and saw its highest popularity in 1974, ranking 929th overall by 2025. The name has a trajectory of falling in usage since 1985, with about 1 in 6,751 newborns receiving it in the latest year. Its top states include Missouri, Utah, and Kansas, reflecting a steady but modest presence. Heath evokes a natural, earthy feel without being overly rustic, and it pairs well with similarly straightforward names.
Heath derives from the Old English word 'hǣþ' meaning 'heathland' or 'wasteland covered with shrubs.' It was originally a topographic surname for someone who lived on or near a heath. As a given name, it gained modest popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and is associated with a natural, earthy quality.
Where Heath 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.
“Heath” around the world
Where Heath lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Heathcliff
Sibling names for Heath
Names that share Heath's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Heath
Names whose popularity has moved with Heath's over the last 50 years.
