Holding steady.
Popularity of Hortense since 1880
Babies named Hortense per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hortense's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 199 |
| 1890s | 454 |
| 1900s | 637 |
| 1910s | 1,693 |
| 1920s | 1,794 |
| 1930s | 713 |
| 1940s | 424 |
| 1950s | 266 |
| 1960s | 104 |
| 1970s | 29 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Hortense is a name that evokes a bygone era, with its peak usage in 1903 when it reached its highest rank in U.S. Social Security records. Though it has not ranked in over half a century, the name enjoys quiet stability among vintage name enthusiasts. The name's trajectory suggests it is a rare choice today, but its French elegance and historical resonance keep it from fading entirely. Unlike many vintage names, Hortense has not seen a revival in the 2010s or 2020s, remaining a truly uncommon pick. Its roots, possibly tied to the Latin word for garden, give it a natural, grounded feel despite its ornate sound.
Hortense is a French feminine name derived from the Latin Hortensius, a Roman family name of uncertain etymology. It has been suggested to come from 'hortus' meaning 'garden'. The name was popularized in France by the 16th century and later adopted in English-speaking countries. It was particularly fashionable in the 19th century.
Where Hortense is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hortense” around the world
Where Hortense lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
415
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tensie, Horty
Sibling names for Hortense
Names that share Hortense's style, for a brother or sister.
