Rising since 1993, #3,583 for boys today.
Popularity of Kessler since 1974
Babies named Kessler per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 | 63 |
| 2000s | 28 | 130 |
| 2010s | 49 | 215 |
| 2020s | 32 | 160 |
Meaning & origin
Kessler entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1990 and has followed a rising trajectory since 1993, reflecting a broader trend of using surnames as first names. Its peak year was 2017, though it remains uncommon, with a 2025 rank of 3,583 and an incidence of about 1 in 55,099 births. The name's rise parallels a cultural interest in German-rooted surnames, yet it has not broken into the top tier, maintaining a distinctive feel.
Kessler derives from the German surname Keßler, meaning 'coppersmith' (from Middle High German kezzel, 'kettle'). It was adopted as a given name in the United States primarily in the late 20th century, possibly influenced by surname use. The name's use as a first name remains relatively rare, with most bearers being of German-American heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kessler
Sibling names for Kessler
Names that share Kessler's style, for a brother or sister.
