MallowbyNames

Moody

MOO-dee · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of the surname Moody, which itself may derive from an Old English nickname for a bold or impetuous person.

Peak popularity
1893
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Moody since 1882

Babies named Moody per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Moody's real moment was 1893.

91726192019602000Most births 1922Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1880s29
1890s28
1900s43
1910s162
1920s203
1930s111
1940s84
1950s45
1960s26
1970s0
1980s5
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s10

Meaning & origin

Moody is an uncommon given name that has never cracked the top 1,000 in U.S. popularity rankings. Its earliest recorded use in Social Security data is 1882, and it reached a modest peak in 1893, which was its highest year of usage. The name has remained stable in appearance over the decades, with no notable revival. Despite its rarity, Moody carries a distinctive, surname-style charm that aligns with 19th-century naming trends. Its top state usage is sparse, but the name has a quiet, historical resonance for those seeking an unconventional choice.

The name Moody is primarily used as a given name, drawn from an English surname of medieval origin. The surname Moody is believed to derive from the Old English 'mōdig' meaning 'brave, bold, impetuous,' later evolving to 'moody' in its modern sense. It was occasionally used as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States. Its usage as a first name has been rare, with a modest peak in the 1890s.

Sibling names for Moody

Names that share Moody's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Emma, Lily, Mae, Ruby, Grace

Brothers: Charlie, Harry, Frank, Oscar, Walter

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Moody, our favorite little boy.

M is for Moody…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Moody's letter becomes Moody's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Moody's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Moody mean?
The name Moody is of uncertain meaning. It likely derives from an English surname that originally described a brave or bold person, though its exact origin is debated.
How popular is Moody today?
Moody is not currently ranked among the top 1,000 names in the United States. Its most recent recorded use in the Social Security data is 2025, but rank data is unavailable.
Is Moody a boy's name or a girl's name?
Moody is almost exclusively given to boys in historical U.S. data.