Holding steady, #404 for girls today.
Popularity of Raven since 1921
Babies named Raven per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 | 5 |
| 1940s | 51 | 54 |
| 1950s | 67 | 50 |
| 1960s | 138 | 85 |
| 1970s | 1,188 | 134 |
| 1980s | 3,968 | 194 |
| 1990s | 18,503 | 1,128 |
| 2000s | 10,036 | 1,018 |
| 2010s | 6,234 | 387 |
| 2020s | 4,735 | 273 |
Meaning & origin
Raven first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1941, a latecomer compared to many traditional names. Its popularity soared in the 1990s, reaching its peak rank in 1993 when it was a top choice. The name has since stabilized, ranking 404th in 2025 with a consistent 1-in-2,085 frequency. Geographically, Raven is most common in Alaska, Maine, and West Virginia, reflecting a preference in states with strong ties to nature. The name's association with the intelligent black bird gives it a cool, edgy appeal that has kept it in steady use over the decades.
Raven derives directly from the Old English word hræfn, referring to the large black bird. The name entered use as a given name in the late 20th century, inspired by nature and the bird's symbolic associations. It gained visibility through popular culture and has been used for both girls and boys, though predominantly for girls.
Where Raven is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Raven” around the world
Where Raven lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rae, Vennie
Sibling names for Raven
Names that share Raven's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Willow, Ivy, Phoenix, Sage, Haven, Ariel, Denae, Ravin, Rayven, Rebel, Tawny, Timber, Canary, Dayonna, Demonica, Ranada, Arlisha, Keyshawna, Linnet, Morticia, Noir, Raivyn
Brothers: Hunter, River, Fox, Asher, Cole, Blaze, Levar, Blade, Wolf, Demon, Drayven, Lynx, Ravon, Shadow, Shamon, Alucard, Donzel, Ebon, Legion, Lestat, Negan, Tramon, Havoc, Dragon, Furious, Kraven, Lycan, Raeshaun, Rayjon, Riott, Saiyan, Spike, Starsky, Tracer, Tyrail, Warrior
Names like Raven
Names whose popularity has moved with Raven's over the last 50 years.
