Holding steady.
Popularity of Random since 1979
Babies named Random per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 9 |
| 1980s | 61 |
| 1990s | 25 |
| 2000s | 33 |
| 2010s | 7 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Random is an English word name that emerged as a given name in the United States starting in 1979, the same year it was first recorded in the Social Security data. It has never broken into the top 1000, remaining a rare choice. The name reflects a broader cultural trend of using common English nouns as given names, yet it carries a sense of unpredictability. Its usage has been stable but minimal, with no notable peaks or revivals, and it has not been concentrated in any particular state. Random is almost exclusively used for boys, and its rarity makes it a distinctive if unconventional option.
Random is a name taken directly from the English word 'random', which entered the language in the 14th century from Old French 'randon' meaning 'impetuosity, speed'. It was first recorded as a given name in the United States in 1979, reflecting a modern trend of adopting ordinary English words as names.
Sibling names for Random
Names that share Random's style, for a brother or sister.
