A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Moss since 1891
Babies named Moss per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2023, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Moss's real moment was 1901.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 51 |
| 1920s | 63 |
| 1930s | 38 |
| 1940s | 22 |
| 1950s | 37 |
| 1960s | 24 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 48 |
| 2010s | 82 |
| 2020s | 95 |
Meaning & origin
Moss is a rare botanical name that has carved out a small but steady niche in American naming. First recorded in 1891, it reached its peak rank of 5,208 in the most recent year (2025), with an estimated 1 in 94,893 newborn boys given the name. Its trajectory has been rising since 1997, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward nature-inspired and surname names. The name's simplicity and connection to the natural world give it a quiet appeal for parents seeking something distinctive yet familiar.
Moss is a rare given name derived directly from the English word for the plant. It emerged as a given name in the late 19th century, possibly as a transferred use of the surname Moss or as a nature-inspired choice. The name saw modest use in the early 1900s and has experienced a revival since the late 1990s, consistent with a trend toward botanical and surname names.
Sibling names for Moss
Names that share Moss's style, for a brother or sister.
