A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Rambo since 1984
Babies named Rambo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 45 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Rambo is a modern given name born from popular culture. First recorded as a baby name in 1984, it reached its peak rank in 1985 at number 10,695, reflecting the immediate influence of the Rambo film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone. The name experienced a revival starting around 2010 and has been rising in use since then, though it remains rare. As of 2025, approximately 1 in 284,679 boys receive the name. While not historically a given name, its association with the iconic action hero gives it a bold, rugged image. It has not been concentrated in any particular U.S. state. The name Rambo represents a class of names derived from fictional characters, where the meaning is tied to the cultural moment rather than linguistic roots.
The name Rambo is a modern usage derived from the surname of the character John Rambo, created by author David Morrell in his 1972 novel 'First Blood' and famously portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in the film series. The surname itself has Swedish roots, possibly from a place name. As a given name, it emerged after the 1982 film, occasionally used as a bold or distinctive choice.
Sibling names for Rambo
Names that share Rambo's style, for a brother or sister.
