Rising since 1985, #1,708 for boys today.
Popularity of Ramses since 1970
Babies named Ramses per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 91 |
| 1980s | 168 |
| 1990s | 381 |
| 2000s | 1,075 |
| 2010s | 1,096 |
| 2020s | 649 |
Meaning & origin
Ramses is a commanding name with deep roots in ancient Egyptian history. Though it first appeared in U.S. records only in 1970, its modern usage has grown steadily, rising in popularity since 1985 and reaching a peak rank in 2008. Today, Ramses is given to about 1 in 18,000 boys, and it is especially common in Arizona, Washington, and Texas. The name carries the weight of pharaonic legacy without feeling overly heavy, appealing to parents drawn to historical gravitas and distinctive sounds. Its trajectory suggests a quiet but persistent appeal, as it remains uncommon enough to stand out while being recognized widely from biblical and historical references.
Ramses is the Latinized form of the Ancient Egyptian name Rˁ-ms-sw, meaning 'Son of Ra.' It was borne by several pharaohs of the 19th and 20th dynasties, most famously Ramesses II, who reigned for 66 years and is associated with monumental building projects and military campaigns. The name entered Western usage via biblical and historical texts and has seen occasional modern use, particularly among families interested in Egyptian heritage.
Where Ramses is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ram
Sibling names for Ramses
Names that share Ramses's style, for a brother or sister.
