Rising since 1994, #1,095 for girls today.
Popularity of Lavender since 1962
Babies named Lavender per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 57 |
| 1990s | 96 |
| 2000s | 297 |
| 2010s | 656 |
| 2020s | 1,185 |
Meaning & origin
Lavender is a botanical name that has been in use since the 1960s, first recorded in the U.S. in 1962. It has climbed steadily from relative obscurity to modern favor, reflecting a broader revival of nature-inspired names. As of 2025, it ranks 1095th (1 in 7306 births) and has been rising since 1994, with its peak year being 2024. The name is most commonly found in Nevada, Missouri, and Iowa, suggesting a particular appeal in the central and western United States. Its gentle floral associations and soft sound make it a distinctive choice among contemporary girls' names.
Lavender is an English name taken directly from the name of the plant, which derives from Old French 'lavendre' and ultimately from Latin 'lavare' (to wash), so called because the plant was used to scent bathwater. As a given name, it has been in occasional use since the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It gained modest popularity in the United States beginning in the 1960s and has seen a steady rise since the 1990s, fitting a broader trend of botanical names for girls.
Where Lavender is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lav, Lavy, Laven, Vennie
Sibling names for Lavender
Names that share Lavender's style, for a brother or sister.
