Rising since 1995, #1,244 for boys today.
Popularity of Oakland since 1919
Babies named Oakland per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 | 12 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 | 74 |
| 2010s | 64 | 430 |
| 2020s | 228 | 883 |
Meaning & origin
Oakland is a place name turned given name, evoking the sturdy oak tree and the California city. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1919, but remained rare for decades. In 2025, it ranked 1244th nationally, with 1 in 10,675 baby boys receiving the name. Its popularity has been on a steady upward trajectory since 1995, and it reached its peak rank in 2025. The name is most common in southern states, with South Carolina, North Carolina, and Kentucky showing the highest usage. Oakland fits the trend of geographic and nature-inspired names, appealing to parents seeking a strong, outdoorsy feel.
Oakland is a place name derived from Old English 'āc' (oak) and 'land' (land), meaning 'oak land.' It originated as a topographic surname and later became a given name, inspired by the city in California and other places. Its use as a first name began in the late 19th century, gaining modest popularity in the United States.
Where Oakland is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Oak, Oaks
Sibling names for Oakland
Names that share Oakland's style, for a brother or sister.
