Declining since 1985, #1,196 for boys today.
Popularity of Norman since 1880
Babies named Norman per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,235 |
| 1890s | 1,891 |
| 1900s | 3,178 |
| 1910s | 25,033 |
| 1920s | 49,364 |
| 1930s | 49,987 |
| 1940s | 42,164 |
| 1950s | 33,749 |
| 1960s | 22,753 |
| 1970s | 9,885 |
| 1980s | 5,853 |
| 1990s | 3,439 |
| 2000s | 2,071 |
| 2010s | 1,590 |
| 2020s | 968 |
Meaning & origin
Norman reached peak popularity in 1931, when it was the 21st most popular name for boys, reflecting its strong standing in early 20th-century America. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, falling to rank 1196 in 2025, with about 1 in 10,107 newborn boys receiving the name. The name remains most common in states like South Dakota, Michigan, and Minnesota, regions with strong Scandinavian and Midwestern heritage. Despite its decline, Norman retains a classic, sturdy character, often associated with notable figures in business, sports, and the arts.
Norman derives from the Old English combination of 'north' and 'man', originally referring to Scandinavians, particularly those who settled in Normandy, France. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the name entered English usage as both a surname and a given name. It became especially common in the English-speaking world in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Norman 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: Norm
Sibling names for Norman
Names that share Norman's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Ruth, Irene, Evelyn, Marjorie, Marion, Beverley, Dorene, Karyl, Arnita, Corliss, Delorise, Gaynell, Shirlene, Carliss, Diannia, Lorraina, Marilynne, Noretta, Sherrel, Suella, Carolle, Charlane, Charma, Connee, Dennice, Doraine, Dorraine, Geralene, Gloriann, Jannice, Luwana, Marcha, Merryl, Rojean, Sherolyn, Sherrian, Cloris, Donalyn, Dorreen, Dorrine, Gailyn, Glennette, Loral, Marvia, Norena, Rudine, Sherel, Shirla
Brothers: Walter, Harold, Raymond, Clarence, Leonard, Lester, Jerold, Marlan, Rondal, Darold, Denzil, Duwayne, Randel, Thurston, Darrold, Jeral, Jerrald, Noal, Norvin, Obert, Reginold, Rondel, Ronnald, Terril, Normon, Jerl, Berle, Jerol, Marv, Norlan, Ransome, Rondle
Names like Norman
Names whose popularity has moved with Norman's over the last 50 years.
