Holding steady, #4,707 for boys today.
Popularity of Howie since 1943
Babies named Howie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 170 |
| 1960s | 160 |
| 1970s | 46 |
| 1980s | 23 |
| 1990s | 44 |
| 2000s | 91 |
| 2010s | 110 |
| 2020s | 103 |
Meaning & origin
Howie, a diminutive of Howard, saw its highest usage in the United States during the 1950s, peaking in 1957. Since then, its popularity has steadily declined, though it has remained in consistent use. The name is carried by approximately 1 in 81,337 newborns in 2025, ranking 4,707. While no longer a common choice, Howie retains a friendly, approachable quality typical of mid-century nickname-style names. Its trajectory has been stable in recent years, suggesting a small but loyal pool of parents drawn to its vintage charm.
Howie originated as a diminutive of the English surname and given name Howard, which itself derived from the Old Norse elements 'hā' (high) and 'varðr' (guardian) or from the Old English 'Hereweard' (army guard). It became a standalone given name in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it enjoyed peak popularity in the 1950s before declining.
Sibling names for Howie
Names that share Howie's style, for a brother or sister.
