Declining since 1986, #2,258 for boys today.
Popularity of Kurt since 1894
Babies named Kurt per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 21 |
| 1900s | 17 |
| 1910s | 263 |
| 1920s | 462 |
| 1930s | 940 |
| 1940s | 3,597 |
| 1950s | 18,642 |
| 1960s | 28,215 |
| 1970s | 13,657 |
| 1980s | 10,682 |
| 1990s | 5,693 |
| 2000s | 2,134 |
| 2010s | 1,098 |
| 2020s | 437 |
Meaning & origin
Kurt is a German short form of Conrad that gained independent use. It peaked in popularity in 1966 and has been declining since 1986. Today it ranks 2258, a far cry from its mid-20th-century heyday. It is most common in Ohio, New York, and Texas, with a 1-in-27550 birthrate. The name feels both classic and understated, appealing to those who favor strong, concise names with European roots. Despite its decline, Kurt retains a solid, no-nonsense image, partly through associations with figures like Kurt Vonnegut.
Kurt originated as a German short form of Conrad, derived from the Old High German elements 'kuoni' (brave) and 'rat' (counsel). It became established as an independent name in German-speaking countries and was brought to English-speaking regions by German immigrants. The name saw a surge in popularity in the mid-20th century, partly due to notable public figures.
Where Kurt 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.
“Kurt” around the world
Where Kurt lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kurt
Names that share Kurt's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Heidi, Ingrid, Greta, Liesel, Frieda, Mitzi, Trudi, Bari, Christel, Gretel, Heide, Ilse, Racquel, Rudi, Dietra, Grethel, Hilde, Kimm, Liesa, Hildy, Karlena, Shar, Trude, Turkessa, Valeska, Ayn, Karne, Kellis, Liese, Maritta, Truda, Veleka, Venda
Brothers: Hans, Klaus, Otto, Fritz, Rolf, Garth, Korey, Rainer, Thad, Wilhelm, Armin, Dain, Erich, Ernst, Gerhard, Kirt, Rommel, Alfons, Bauer, Bernhardt, Edel, Marzell, Rembert, Alucard, Deke, Ebert, Elmar, Gerhart, Kert, Krist, Kurk, Ludwin, Manfred, Ralf, Reiner, Reinhardt, Tell, Wagner, Benno, Brand, Detrich, Egon, Hanz, Hartman, Othmar, Sie, Sigmond, Wetzel, Zigmond
Names like Kurt
Names whose popularity has moved with Kurt's over the last 50 years.
