Rising since 1985, #505 for boys today.
Popularity of Pierce since 1880
Babies named Pierce per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2015, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Pierce's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 133 |
| 1890s | 127 |
| 1900s | 133 |
| 1910s | 413 |
| 1920s | 560 |
| 1930s | 409 |
| 1940s | 373 |
| 1950s | 306 |
| 1960s | 234 |
| 1970s | 179 |
| 1980s | 779 |
| 1990s | 2,398 |
| 2000s | 4,898 |
| 2010s | 5,931 |
| 2020s | 3,372 |
Meaning & origin
Pierce is a surname-turned-first-name that has been steadily gaining ground. First recorded in U.S. birth data in 1880, it spent decades as a rare choice before beginning a notable rise in 1985. By 2025 it reached its peak rank of 505, with approximately 1 in 2,856 newborn boys receiving the name. Pierce is most popular in states like Montana, South Dakota, and Kansas, reflecting its appeal in regions that favor classic, strong-sounding surnames. Its trajectory as a rising name suggests continued growth, appealing to parents looking for a name that feels both established and fresh.
Pierce is an English and Irish surname derived from the medieval given name Piers, a vernacular form of Peter. The name Peter comes from the Greek petros, meaning rock. As a given name, Pierce gained popularity in the 20th century, often used in honor of family surnames. It was first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1880.
Where Pierce 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.
“Pierce” around the world
Where Pierce lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Pierce
Names that share Pierce's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Pierce
Names whose popularity has moved with Pierce's over the last 50 years.
