Declining since 2019, #411 for girls today.
Popularity of Journey since 1981
Babies named Journey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 62 | 24 |
| 1990s | 566 | 131 |
| 2000s | 3,402 | 363 |
| 2010s | 10,903 | 872 |
| 2020s | 5,949 | 621 |
Meaning & origin
Journey is a modern word name that gained popularity as part of the trend toward abstract and virtue names. First recorded in 1981, it entered the top 1000 in the early 2000s and reached its peak rank in 2018. Since 2019, its usage has been falling. In 2025, it ranked 411th with a frequency of 1 in 2,123 births. The name is most popular in Hawaii, followed by Alabama and Mississippi. Journey appeals to parents seeking a name that conveys movement, adventure, and a sense of life's journey, fitting the modern preference for unique and meaningful names.
Journey is a modern English word name derived directly from the noun meaning 'a trip or travel.' It entered use as a personal name in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the trend of virtue and abstract word names. The name gained visibility after the 1983 song 'Faithfully' by the band Journey, though it is not directly attributed to the band in origin.
Where Journey is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls 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 Journey
Names that share Journey's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Destiny, Harmony, Savannah, Aurora, Serenity, Brielle, Jenesis, Legaci, Destine, Divine, Jream, Adore, Camiya, Forever, Memorie, Remedy, Armonii, Destenie, Jernee, Jhream, Joeli, Kulture, Loveah, Purpose, Trezure, Wonder, Zamyah, Jenisis, Sojourner, Amazin, Aunesti, Beautifull, Dreamer, Emonni, Fantasy, Heavan, Prayer, Success
Brothers: Jaxon, Maverick, Hunter, Ryder, Colton, Sincere, Brave, Jowell, Nation, Quest, Solace, Travell, Dvante, Famous, Jceon, Marvelous, Righteous, Saveon, Travelle, Winner, Jordani, Arshawn, Dejour, Future, Messiyah
Names like Journey
Names whose popularity has moved with Journey's over the last 50 years.
