A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Mable since 1880
Babies named Mable per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mable's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,544 |
| 1890s | 3,184 |
| 1900s | 5,148 |
| 1910s | 11,718 |
| 1920s | 14,011 |
| 1930s | 7,751 |
| 1940s | 4,921 |
| 1950s | 2,659 |
| 1960s | 950 |
| 1970s | 308 |
| 1980s | 185 |
| 1990s | 106 |
| 2000s | 157 |
| 2010s | 261 |
| 2020s | 348 |
Meaning & origin
Mable is a vintage name that has seen a modest resurgence in recent decades. First recorded in 1880, it reached its peak rank of 2438 in 1905, a time when Mabel was a common favorite. After decades of decline, the name has been rising again since 1993, likely part of the broader revival of 'grandma' names and old-fashioned charms. In 2025, it appears in about 1 in 22,017 births, suggesting it remains a rare but recognizable choice. The name was most common in Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan during its early 20th-century heyday, reflecting its Midwestern popularity. Mable's straightforward spelling and soft sound offer a subtle alternative to the more common Mabel, appealing to parents seeking a distinct but historically grounded name. The spelling Mable, while less traditional, carries the same meaning and heritage, making it a simple yet meaningful option.
Mable is a variant spelling of Mabel, itself a medieval diminutive of the Latin name Amabilis, meaning 'lovable' or 'dear'. Mabel was especially popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The spelling Mable emerged as a phonetic simplification, particularly in the United States.
Where Mable is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls 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: Mae, Mabs
Sibling names for Mable
Names that share Mable's style, for a brother or sister.
