Declining since 2019, #999 for boys today.
Popularity of Langston since 1912
Babies named Langston per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 55 |
| 1920s | 78 |
| 1930s | 87 |
| 1940s | 135 |
| 1950s | 94 |
| 1960s | 92 |
| 1970s | 145 |
| 1980s | 226 |
| 1990s | 562 |
| 2000s | 1,134 |
| 2010s | 2,936 |
| 2020s | 1,775 |
Meaning & origin
Langston is a name with literary gravitas, most famously associated with Langston Hughes, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Since its first recorded use in 1912, it has remained relatively uncommon, reaching its peak popularity in 2016. The name has been in decline since 2019, ranking 999 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 7,525 boys receiving it. It has seen particular favor in states such as Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas. Its strong, surname-style appeal fits modern naming trends.
Langston originates as an English surname derived from a place name, likely from Old English 'lang' meaning 'long' and 'stan' meaning 'stone'. It was adopted as a given name in honor of the poet Langston Hughes, who popularized it in the 20th century.
Where Langston 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lang
Sibling names for Langston
Names that share Langston's style, for a brother or sister.
