Rising since 2003, #4,139 for boys today.
Popularity of Kepler since 1997
Babies named Kepler per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 55 |
| 2010s | 218 |
| 2020s | 158 |
Meaning & origin
Kepler, a German surname meaning "maker of caps," entered U.S. baby name records in 1997 and has been steadily climbing in popularity. As of 2025, it ranked 4139, with an estimated 1 in 68,323 newborns receiving the name. Its peak year was 2016, reflecting the continued interest in names honoring scientists and intellectuals. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2003, consistent with broader naming trends favoring surname-names with strong historical ties. While Kepler is not regionally concentrated in any particular state, its appeal crosses cultural boundaries, particularly among families with an interest in astronomy and science.
Kepler is a German occupational surname meaning "maker of caps" or "hood maker," derived from Middle High German "kappe" (cap) and the agent suffix "-er." Its use as a given name is modern and inspired by the 17th-century astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), known for his laws of planetary motion. The name entered U.S. baby name records in 1997 and has been rising in popularity since the early 2000s, part of a trend of surname-names honoring scientists.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kep
Sibling names for Kepler
Names that share Kepler's style, for a brother or sister.
