A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Homer since 1880
Babies named Homer per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Homer's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,213 |
| 1890s | 2,637 |
| 1900s | 2,915 |
| 1910s | 11,471 |
| 1920s | 15,145 |
| 1930s | 9,413 |
| 1940s | 6,956 |
| 1950s | 4,606 |
| 1960s | 2,492 |
| 1970s | 1,308 |
| 1980s | 747 |
| 1990s | 363 |
| 2000s | 207 |
| 2010s | 256 |
| 2020s | 183 |
Meaning & origin
Homer is a name with deep roots in Western literature, best known as the name of the ancient Greek poet credited with the Iliad and the Odyssey. In the United States, it was most popular in the 1890s, peaking in 1893. After declining through much of the 20th century, the name has been on an upward trend since 2004, experiencing a modest revival. As of the latest data from 2025, it ranks 4,707th nationally, a far cry from its peak but notable for a classic name that is often associated with the famous Greek bard. Parents today may be drawn to its vintage feel and literary resonance, making it a distinctive choice among classic revivals.
The name Homer comes from the Greek name Ὅμηρος (Homeros), which was of uncertain meaning. It was traditionally derived from ὅμηρος (homeros) meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage,' but later folk etymology connected it to 'blind,' due to the tradition that the poet Homer was blind. The name has been used in English since the Middle Ages, largely due to the fame of the ancient Greek poet. It saw a revival in the 19th century and has been used in the United States since the colonial era.
Where Homer 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: Homie
Sibling names for Homer
Names that share Homer's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Penelope, Athena, Iris, Daphne, Helen, Dovie, Loretha, Delpha, Lavona, Luvenia, Lyda, Waneta, Wanita, Altie, Birda, Docia, Doshie, Dossie, Eulala, Neomia, Pecola, Reola, Vergia, Alean, Clema, Cloma, Dezzie, Eular, Gladine, Macil, Monteen, Odeal, Verta, Almetta, Eudell, Twylla, Wahneta, Waunetta, Zenola
Brothers: Ulysses, Jason, Simon, Orion, Theodore, Grover, Wilbur, Bart, Buford, Cletis, Cletus, Delmer, Early, Gilmer, Solon, Hurley, Murl, Ozell, Rolla, Rollie, Theodis, Cloyce, Corda, Curlee, Deloy, Hosey, Hulen, Lillard, Orvel, Carthel, Delmus, Lytle, Milledge, Mingo, Ruble, Tilton, Garl, Algia, Azell, Culver, Curly, Deloyd, Farmer, Rastus, Sargent, Socrates, Ulice, Ulyess, Zebbie
