Holding steady.
Popularity of Inge since 1924
Babies named Inge per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 54 |
| 1930s | 107 |
| 1940s | 31 |
| 1950s | 129 |
| 1960s | 217 |
| 1970s | 103 |
| 1980s | 44 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Inge is a short form of Old Norse names that incorporate Ing, a divine figure in Germanic mythology. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1924 and reached its peak popularity in 1967, reflecting broader mid-century interest in Scandinavian and Germanic names. Since that peak, its usage has remained stable but very rare; in the latest year, 2025, there were fewer than 5 births per million, placing it as a distinctive choice. The name is especially common in Germany and Scandinavia, where it has cross-gender use. Inge is a succinct yet historically rich name that honors Nordic heritage without feeling dated.
Inge originates as a short form of Old Norse names such as Ingegerd or Ingebjørg, which contain the element Ing, the name of a Germanic fertility god associated with the Yngling dynasty. It has been used independently in Scandinavia since medieval times, and in Germany it became popular in the 20th century, partly due to the fame of Swedish actress Inge Landgut. The name is typically feminine in Germany, but in Scandinavia it can also be masculine.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ingi
Variants: Inga
Sibling names for Inge
Names that share Inge's style, for a brother or sister.
