Rising since 1988, #1,571 for boys today.
Popularity of Ranger since 1958
Babies named Ranger per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 63 |
| 2000s | 175 |
| 2010s | 592 |
| 2020s | 683 |
Meaning & origin
Ranger is a modern English name that originated as an occupational surname and was first recorded as a given name in 1958. It has been steadily climbing in use since 1988, reflecting a broader trend toward word names and nature-themed names. Its peak popularity came in 2022, and as of 2025 it ranks 1571, with a 1-in-15816 occurrence. The name is most popular in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, suggesting a particular appeal in states with strong outdoor traditions. Ranger evokes images of wilderness and guardianship, and its rising trajectory over the past three decades signals growing appeal among parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar name.
Ranger derives from the Middle English word 'renger', meaning 'one who ranges or roams', and from the Old French 'rangier' (to arrange or set in order). As a given name, it emerged as a modern coinage in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1958. It gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the southern and western states, and has been steadily rising since the late 1980s.
Where Ranger is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rang, Ranny
Sibling names for Ranger
Names that share Ranger's style, for a brother or sister.
