Holding steady, #2,258 for boys today.
Popularity of Orrin since 1880
Babies named Orrin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Orrin's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 142 |
| 1890s | 124 |
| 1900s | 88 |
| 1910s | 651 |
| 1920s | 709 |
| 1930s | 458 |
| 1940s | 538 |
| 1950s | 388 |
| 1960s | 406 |
| 1970s | 207 |
| 1980s | 428 |
| 1990s | 387 |
| 2000s | 481 |
| 2010s | 632 |
| 2020s | 346 |
Meaning & origin
Orrin is a name with a quiet but enduring presence in American naming history. First recorded in 1880, it saw its peak in 1881, when it was most frequently used relative to other names. Despite its early popularity, Orrin has never been common; in recent years it ranks around 2,258, with about 1 in every 27,550 boys receiving the name. The name has shown a stable trajectory, neither surging nor declining dramatically. It has been particularly used in states like Wisconsin and Arizona, suggesting a scattered but loyal following. Orrin's appeal likely lies in its simple, strong sound and its link to nature through possible Hebrew origins, or to Irish heritage through Odhrán. It remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a historic yet underused name.
The name Orrin has multiple possible origins. It may be an Americanized spelling of the Hebrew name Oren, meaning 'pine tree' or 'ash tree'. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Irish name Odhrán, which means 'little pale green one' or 'little sallow one', from the Irish word 'odhar' meaning 'dun, pale'. Orrin has been used in the United States since the 19th century, often in the Midwest and West.
Where Orrin 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: Orr
Sibling names for Orrin
Names that share Orrin's style, for a brother or sister.
