Declining since 2005, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Igor since 1951
Babies named Igor per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1998, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Igor's real moment was 2017.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 62 |
| 1960s | 37 |
| 1970s | 42 |
| 1980s | 31 |
| 1990s | 141 |
| 2000s | 234 |
| 2010s | 187 |
| 2020s | 70 |
Meaning & origin
Igor, a name with ancient Scandinavian roots, entered Eastern Europe through the Varangian Rus and has been a staple in Slavic countries for centuries. In the United States, it has seen a dramatic decline: after peaking in 2017 with its highest recorded rank, the name has fallen significantly, ranking 6,803 in 2025. This places it among the rarest names in the U.S., with only 1 in 142,340 boys receiving the name that year. The trajectory has been falling since 2005, indicating a consistent loss of favor. While no U.S. states show particular concentration, Igor remains a classic choice within Slavic diaspora communities, often honoring cultural heritage.
Igor is derived from the Old Norse name Ingvarr, composed of Ing (a byname of the god Freyr) and geirr (spear). It was introduced to Eastern Europe through the Varangian (Viking) Rus, borne by Prince Igor of Kiev in the 10th century. The name has remained common in Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries.
“Igor” around the world
Where Igor lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Iggy, Igorek
Variants: Ingvar
Sibling names for Igor
Names that share Igor's style, for a brother or sister.
