Rising since 1985, #1,033 for girls today.
Popularity of Montana since 1910
Babies named Montana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 92 | 0 |
| 1920s | 69 | 0 |
| 1930s | 68 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 5 |
| 1950s | 15 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 53 | 44 |
| 1980s | 365 | 336 |
| 1990s | 3,083 | 1,486 |
| 2000s | 2,857 | 898 |
| 2010s | 1,111 | 612 |
| 2020s | 1,102 | 654 |
Meaning & origin
Montana first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1910, but its use as a given name truly took off in the late 20th century, rising steadily since 1985. It reached its peak popularity in 1998, when it ranked among the top 1000 names. In 2025, it ranked 1033, meaning approximately 1 in every 6,642 newborns were named Montana. The name is most common in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nevada, reflecting its frontier-inspired appeal. While originally more common for boys, Montana has become a popular choice for girls, often seen as a nature-inspired or place name. Its usage spiked in the 1990s, likely influenced by cultural references to the Wild West and the state's rugged image.
Montana is used as a given name directly from the U.S. state name, which itself was adapted from the Spanish 'montaña' (mountain). The name was likely popularized by the 1990s, perhaps influenced by the actress Montana Fishburne, daughter of Laurence Fishburne. It has been used for both boys and girls but is now more common for girls.
Where Montana 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.
“Montana” around the world
Where Montana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Monty, Monti, Ana, Mona
Variants: Montanna, Montannah
Sibling names for Montana
Names that share Montana's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Dakota, Cheyenne, Savannah, Sierra, Aspen, Dakotah, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Sheyenne, Tennessee, Tijuana, Texie, Cheynne, Louisiana, Alabama, Amerika, Arvada, Dacotah, Montasia, Navada, Southern, Texanna
Brothers: Dakota, Austin, Wyatt, Cooper, Cody, Davonta, Texas, Utah, Lamonta, Montrey, Tacoma, Navarre
