Holding steady.
Popularity of Pastor since 1929
Babies named Pastor per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1981, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Pastor's real moment was 1929.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 25 |
| 1990s | 53 |
| 2000s | 29 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Pastor is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in Social Security data in 1929. That year was also its peak year for usage, as the name has never appeared in significant numbers since. It is most often given to boys and carries strong religious connotations, directly referencing the Latin term for 'shepherd' and its Christian usage as a title for clergy. Despite its rarity, Pastor has a stable but minimal presence, with no notable spikes in popularity. The name has not been widely adopted in any particular U.S. state, and it remains an unconventional choice for parents seeking a name with clear spiritual meaning.
Pastor is derived from the Latin word 'pastor,' meaning 'shepherd.' In Christian contexts, the term came to denote a spiritual leader or minister, and it was occasionally adopted as a given name, particularly among religious families. Its use as a first name in the United States dates back to at least 1929, when it first appeared in Social Security records.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Past, Pas
Variants: Pastore
Sibling names for Pastor
Names that share Pastor's style, for a brother or sister.
