Declining since 2018, #3,379 for boys today.
Popularity of Larkin since 1880
Babies named Larkin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2019, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Larkin's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 92 |
| 1890s | 0 | 46 |
| 1900s | 0 | 49 |
| 1910s | 0 | 190 |
| 1920s | 0 | 259 |
| 1930s | 0 | 157 |
| 1940s | 0 | 180 |
| 1950s | 5 | 176 |
| 1960s | 6 | 129 |
| 1970s | 55 | 99 |
| 1980s | 129 | 109 |
| 1990s | 165 | 139 |
| 2000s | 538 | 219 |
| 2010s | 773 | 425 |
| 2020s | 348 | 252 |
Meaning & origin
Larkin is a name that has traveled from surname to given name, maintaining a quiet presence in the United States since the 1800s. First recorded in 1880, it peaked in that same year, likely due to the prominence of the surname in census records. Its modern trajectory has been falling since 2018, though it remains a distinctive choice. With a national rank of 3,379 in 2025 and a rarity of 1 in 50,238 births, Larkin is a name that stands out without being unfamiliar. The state of Michigan shows the highest relative usage, hinting at regional preference. As a unisex name, it offers versatility, though historically it leaned masculine. Its unknown meaning adds an air of mystery, and its short, crisp sound appeals to parents seeking a surname-style name.
Larkin originated as an English surname, a diminutive of the Middle English personal name Lark, itself a pet form of Lawrence. The surname was later adopted as a given name, sometimes in honor of family ties or as a unisex choice. Its use as a first name dates to the 19th century in the United States.
Where Larkin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lark, Kin
Sibling names for Larkin
Names that share Larkin's style, for a brother or sister.
