Declining since 2017, #405 for boys today.
Popularity of King since 1880
Babies named King per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 229 |
| 1890s | 233 |
| 1900s | 277 |
| 1910s | 795 |
| 1920s | 998 |
| 1930s | 801 |
| 1940s | 818 |
| 1950s | 708 |
| 1960s | 454 |
| 1970s | 316 |
| 1980s | 335 |
| 1990s | 439 |
| 2000s | 1,950 |
| 2010s | 20,440 |
| 2020s | 9,057 |
Meaning & origin
King entered the U.S. naming data in 1880 and has been in consistent use ever since, but its modern popularity surged in the 2010s, peaking in 2017. As of 2025, the name ranks 405th, with approximately 1 in every 2,173 newborn boys receiving the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2017, yet it remains a recognizable choice. The name is most popular in Georgia, South Carolina, and Maryland, reflecting a strong Southern and East Coast presence. Unlike traditional royal names (e.g., Henry or Charles), King functions as a bold, straightforward word name. Its use as both a surname and a given name gives it a distinctive edge. King's 2010s peak aligns with a broader trend of strong, aspirational word names in American baby naming.
King is an English surname and given name derived from the Old English 'cyning,' meaning 'tribal leader' or 'king.' Historically a surname for someone who played the part of a king in pageants or who served in a royal household, its use as a first name emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. The name gained visibility through figures like Martin Luther King Jr., though his surname was originally Michael.
Where King 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.
“King” around the world
Where King lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for King
Names that share King's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Queen, Nova, Haven, Sage, Aria, Babygirl, Diamond, Princess, Reign, Royalty, Treasure, Unique, Divine, Empress, Majesty, Queenie, Royale, Allure, Cing, Goddess, Heavyn, Myangel, Paradise, Amazing, Amyri, Azyiah, Duchess, Gorgeous, Honest, Kulture, Lamiracle, Mirakle, Victorious, Dutchess, Kween, Beautifull, Comfort, Countess, Heavan, Money, Pryncess
Brothers: Major, Jax, Creed, Knight, Legend, Champ, Jayceon, Prince, Royal, Judge, Makhi, Sir, Sire, Zyion, Bless, Jakhi, Lord, Magic, Majestic, Master, Priest, Prynce, Zyier, Aking, Babyboy, Chief, Doctor, Famous, Khyrie, Kyzir, Lieutenant, Myking, Savior, Winner, Awesome, Billion, Child, Emperor, Handsome, Kingson, Meliodas, Prophet, Trillion
Names like King
Names whose popularity has moved with King's over the last 50 years.
