Declining since 2022, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Mercury since 1972
Babies named Mercury per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 30 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 28 |
| 2000s | 6 | 16 |
| 2010s | 32 | 62 |
| 2020s | 56 | 70 |
Meaning & origin
Mercury entered U.S. naming records in 1972, initially as a rare choice. Its popularity has shown a gradual increase, reaching a peak rank in 2023 before entering a falling trend since 2022. In 2025, the name ranked 7,679th with a frequency of 1 in 170,808 births. The name's trajectory reflects a modest but consistent appeal, often chosen by parents drawn to mythological and celestial names. Despite its ancient roots, Mercury remains uncommon compared to other mythological names like Apollo or Athena. Its use as a unisex name aligns with broader trends toward gender-neutral naming.
Mercury derives from Latin Mercurius, the name of the Roman messenger god, likely related to merx (merchandise). The name has been used as a given name since the 17th century, particularly in the context of classical revival. It gained modest modern usage as a unisex name from the 1970s onward.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mer, Cury, Merc
Sibling names for Mercury
Names that share Mercury's style, for a brother or sister.
