Declining since 2000, #130 for boys today.
Popularity of Hunter since 1880
Babies named Hunter per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 84 |
| 1890s | 0 | 101 |
| 1900s | 6 | 125 |
| 1910s | 0 | 419 |
| 1920s | 5 | 576 |
| 1930s | 0 | 393 |
| 1940s | 0 | 470 |
| 1950s | 5 | 576 |
| 1960s | 5 | 764 |
| 1970s | 48 | 1,215 |
| 1980s | 184 | 5,871 |
| 1990s | 5,613 | 60,524 |
| 2000s | 3,570 | 94,860 |
| 2010s | 2,938 | 74,919 |
| 2020s | 2,010 | 21,341 |
Meaning & origin
Hunter is a masculine name that has seen widespread use since the late 20th century. In the Social Security Administration data, it first appeared in 1880, but its modern rise began in the 1990s, peaking in 2000 at its highest rank. By 2025, the name had fallen to rank 130, with a trajectory showing declining frequency since 2000. Approximately 1 in 619 boys received the name in 2025. Geographically, Hunter has been most popular in Wyoming, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. As an occupational surname turned given name, it fits a pattern of rugged, nature-inspired names that appeal to parents seeking a strong, straightforward choice.
Hunter is an English occupational surname that became a given name. It derives from the Old English word 'huntian,' meaning 'to hunt,' and originally referred to someone who pursued game. As a first name, it gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, as part of the trend toward using surnames as given names.
Where Hunter 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.
“Hunter” around the world
Where Hunter lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
32
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#26
in 2025
Quebec
17
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#60
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hunt
Sibling names for Hunter
Names that share Hunter's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mackenzie, Madison, Paige, Taylor, Quinn, Autumn, Jordyn, Journey, Savannah, Summer, Harlie, Ireland, Justice, Kendyl, Lyric, Raven, Savanah, Stormy, Brookelynn, Brooklin, Chyenne, Emileigh, Kassidi, Kelsee, Malerie, Porsche, Raylynn, Sheyenne, Tawny, Timber, Wrenlee, Aubre, Avrey, Brailynn, Cayley, Delaynie, Jasline, Jerzey, Kyliee, Kymora, Kyndel, Memorie, Montanna, Pebbles, Seirra, Shaley, Shaylie, Shelbey, Shyenne, Shylynn, Tailor, Talor, Taylour, Trynity, Tymber, Brecklynn, Burgandy, Burgundy, Daytona, Elainna, Havannah, Hayde, Hayle, Jordynne, Kadance, Kassidie, Leather, Porshe, Savannha, Skyllar, Stormey, Cheyane, Fayelynn, Caliegh, Camera, Chaeli, Chelbi, Chiann, Henchy, Hopelynn, Jadalee, Jailynne, Jaydy, Journeigh, Knightley, Londin, Madysyn, Mahogony, Mykenna, Promiss, Rocklyn, Sahvanna, Savahna, Sheilyn, Skyann, Skyanne, Skylene, Taetum, Tayllor, Timberlee, Zavannah
Brothers: Carter, Logan, Dylan, Tanner, Cole, Austin, Chance, Mason, Porter, Bridger, Cason, Champ, Chevy, Fischer, Fisher, Fletcher, Ford, Foster, Gardner, Jagger, Shepherd, Turner, Brewer, Cutter, Kaedyn, Kooper, Ranger, Rider, Stryker, Wheeler, Carder, Chancelor, Chanler, Dacota, Draper, Hatcher, Hawkins, Herson, Jeter, Karver, Kharter, Sheppard, Stryder, Tallon, Trapper, Armour, Chayson, Cougar, Maveryck, Shooter, Trigger, Tyeler, Bailor, Brodin, Caster, Catcher, Dragon, Hever, Jayzen, Joyner, Kuper, Sheriff, Smokey, Tannar, Trooper, Tyller, Warrior, Winchester
Names like Hunter
Names whose popularity has moved with Hunter's over the last 50 years.
