A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Misty since 1944
Babies named Misty per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 40 |
| 1950s | 276 |
| 1960s | 5,294 |
| 1970s | 42,375 |
| 1980s | 29,114 |
| 1990s | 5,419 |
| 2000s | 1,428 |
| 2010s | 520 |
| 2020s | 188 |
Meaning & origin
Misty entered the U.S. naming record in 1944, but its rise to prominence came in the 1970s, reaching a peak in 1977. After decades of decline, the name has been rising again since 2022, and in 2025 it ranked 4,067th, a position that corresponds to roughly 1 in 45,922 newborns. Its revival is modest but notable, placing it among similar early-rising names like Lakisha and Jill. While Misty never dominated any single state, its soft, nature-inspired sound and association with the jazz standard have given it a lasting appeal.
Misty originated as a direct use of the English adjective meaning 'covered with mist' or 'vaporous.' It first appeared as a given name in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the 1954 Erroll Garner jazz standard 'Misty' and its later lyrics by Johnny Burke. The name saw a surge in popularity during the 1970s, peaking in 1977, and is primarily used for girls.
Where Misty 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: Missy
Sibling names for Misty
Names that share Misty's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Crystal, Heather, Stacy, Wendy, Tammy, Brandi, Brandy, Tiara, Chrystal, Kristal, Tawni, Dusti, Windy, Breezy, Desaray, Dezeray, Dustie, Kandie, Bambie, Buffie, Candance, Crystale, Crystalynn, Jennilyn, Krystalynn, Mistee, Stormey, Tiffiny, Brandalynn, Krystall, Krystl, Kyrstal, Shadiamond, Tiffine, Tiffony, Tressy, Windie
Brothers: Cody, Todd, Scott, Brad, Brett, Rusty, Dusten, Spike
Names like Misty
Names whose popularity has moved with Misty's over the last 50 years.
