Holding steady.
Popularity of Montoya since 1962
Babies named Montoya per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1991, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Montoya's real moment was 1985.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 17 | 5 |
| 1970s | 118 | 79 |
| 1980s | 227 | 19 |
| 1990s | 138 | 5 |
| 2000s | 20 | 11 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Montoya is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1962 according to Social Security data. It has never entered the top 1000, remaining an uncommon choice. Its peak year was 1985, after which its usage has been stable at very low levels. The name is likely inspired by the Spanish surname Montoya, famously borne by the fictional character Inigo Montoya from 'The Princess Bride'. Despite its rarity, Montoya has a distinctive sound and cultural resonance. It is given to both boys and girls, with a slight historical preference for males. The name has no strong regional concentration in the U.S., with top states data showing no particular state dominance.
Montoya is a Spanish surname of uncertain etymology, possibly derived from a place name. It is most famously associated with the fictional character Inigo Montoya from William Goldman's 1973 novel 'The Princess Bride' (adapted into a 1987 film). Its use as a given name in the United States began in the 1960s, likely inspired by the surname or popular culture.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Monty
Sibling names for Montoya
Names that share Montoya's style, for a brother or sister.
