Declining since 1988, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Napoleon since 1880
Babies named Napoleon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Napoleon's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 267 |
| 1890s | 227 |
| 1900s | 239 |
| 1910s | 797 |
| 1920s | 1,036 |
| 1930s | 798 |
| 1940s | 703 |
| 1950s | 899 |
| 1960s | 795 |
| 1970s | 525 |
| 1980s | 532 |
| 1990s | 388 |
| 2000s | 312 |
| 2010s | 204 |
| 2020s | 83 |
Meaning & origin
Napoleon is a name that carries the weight of history, most notably through Napoleon Bonaparte. In the United States, its popularity peaked in 1887, when it ranked among the more common names of the era. However, since 1988, its usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in every 77,640 boys, placing it at rank 4,539. The name first appeared in official U.S. records in 1880, the very first year of Social Security data, indicating its early adoption in America. While historically concentrated among families with French or Italian heritage, Napoleon has seen occasional use across other communities, with California being the most common state for the name in recent years. The name continues to be used but carries a distinctly historical and imperial association.
The name Napoleon is most famously associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor. It is believed to have originated from the Italian name Napoleone, which may be derived from the city of Naples (Italian: Napoli). The name was used in Corsica and Italy before being adopted by the French. Napoleon Bonaparte popularized the name across Europe in the early 19th century, leading to its use as a given name, particularly in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Napoleon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Nap, Nappy, Leo
Variants: Napoleone, Napoleão
Sibling names for Napoleon
Names that share Napoleon's style, for a brother or sister.
