A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Mickey since 1898
Babies named Mickey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 0 | 7 |
| 1900s | 43 | 32 |
| 1910s | 263 | 294 |
| 1920s | 834 | 720 |
| 1930s | 803 | 1,733 |
| 1940s | 1,392 | 4,477 |
| 1950s | 1,559 | 6,659 |
| 1960s | 708 | 5,160 |
| 1970s | 356 | 3,172 |
| 1980s | 160 | 1,803 |
| 1990s | 154 | 1,308 |
| 2000s | 91 | 811 |
| 2010s | 100 | 885 |
| 2020s | 83 | 566 |
Meaning & origin
Mickey emerged as a diminutive of Michael in the late 19th century, first recorded in 1898. It reached peak popularity in 1957, when it ranked among the most common boy names in the United States. After declining for decades, the name has been rising again since 2006, suggesting a renewed interest in retro nickname names. In 2025, Mickey was given to 1 in 23,398 boys, with the strongest usage in New York, California, and Texas, reflecting its enduring appeal across diverse regions. The name's revival ties to the broader trend of vintage short forms like Archie and Leo regaining favor among modern parents.
Mickey is a diminutive of Michael, from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning 'who is like God?'. It emerged as an independent English given name in the late 19th century, initially as a nickname for Michael. The name gained widespread popularity in the 20th century, partly due to cultural figures such as the cartoon character Mickey Mouse (created 1928).
Where Mickey is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Mick, Mike
Sibling names for Mickey
Names that share Mickey's style, for a brother or sister.
