Declining since 2022, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Miami since 1922
Babies named Miami per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 13 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 24 |
| 2000s | 99 |
| 2010s | 123 |
| 2020s | 79 |
Meaning & origin
Miami is a modern place-name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1922, but remained exceptionally rare for decades. Its recent surge is tied to the popularity of geographic names and the city's trendy image. The name peaked in 2021, when it saw its highest recorded usage. Since 2022, however, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a broader shift away from peaked place names. In 2025, it ranked 8,362 among girls, a relatively uncommon choice: approximately 1 in 133,939 female births were named Miami. The name has not been given widely enough to appear among the top states for usage, indicating it remains a niche pick. Although the meaning is tied to a debated Native American etymology (likely 'big water' or 'sweet water'), modern parents are drawn to the name more for its sunny, urban associations than its linguistic roots.
Miami is a modern place-name usage, taken from the city in Florida. The city's name comes from the Miami River, which is believed to derive from a Native American word from the Calusa or Tequesta language, possibly meaning 'big water' or 'sweet water' (from 'mayaimi'). The name gained popularity as a given name in the 21st century, influenced by the glamour and cultural cachet of the city.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mia, Mimi
Sibling names for Miami
Names that share Miami's style, for a brother or sister.
