Declining since 2014, #2,451 for boys today.
Popularity of Ike since 1880
Babies named Ike per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1953, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ike's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 528 |
| 1890s | 448 |
| 1900s | 418 |
| 1910s | 671 |
| 1920s | 700 |
| 1930s | 465 |
| 1940s | 546 |
| 1950s | 721 |
| 1960s | 418 |
| 1970s | 377 |
| 1980s | 337 |
| 1990s | 274 |
| 2000s | 454 |
| 2010s | 656 |
| 2020s | 329 |
Meaning & origin
Ike is a short, punchy name with strong American associations, originally a nickname for Isaac. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 1st (tied with other names) in 1884, when it was used for a substantial number of boys that year. However, its popularity has been falling steadily since 2014, and in 2025 it ranks 2451st, with approximately 1 in 31,056 boys receiving the name. Though top states for Ike are not recorded in available data, its historical use was widespread across the country. The name carries the legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, affectionately known as Ike, which gave it a boost in the mid-20th century. Despite its decline, Ike remains a recognizable choice for parents seeking a vintage, no-fuss name with a smile-inducing meaning.
Ike is primarily a diminutive of Isaac, which comes from the Hebrew Yitzchak, meaning 'he will laugh' or 'may God smile upon him.' In the United States, Ike gained independent use as a given name, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its popularity peaked in the 1880s and was later reinforced by the affectionate nickname of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Where Ike 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.
Sibling names for Ike
Names that share Ike's style, for a brother or sister.
