Rising since 2014, #5,208 for boys today.
Popularity of Rawlins since 2011
Babies named Rawlins per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 0 | 71 |
| 2020s | 45 | 86 |
Meaning & origin
Rawlins first appeared as a given name in U.S. records in 2011, indicating a very recent adoption from surname usage. Its debut coincides with a broader trend of using occupational and patronymic surnames as first names. By 2025, it had climbed to a rank of 5,208, with a rising trajectory since 2014. The name saw its peak year in 2025, suggesting growing but still niche popularity. The spelling variant Rawlings is perhaps better known from the baseball catcher, but Rawlins itself has a distinct, streamlined feel. Texas was the only top state for the name in the digest data, hinting at regional preference. For parents seeking an uncommon surname-style name with a strong, masculine sound and a touch of Western resonance, Rawlins offers an offbeat choice.
Rawlins is an English patronymic surname derived from the medieval given name Rawlin, a diminutive of Ralph. Ralph itself comes from the Old Norse Ráðúlfr, composed of ráð 'counsel' and úlfr 'wolf.' The surname emerged in England during the Middle Ages and has been occasionally adopted as a given name in recent years.
Where Rawlins is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Raw, Rolly, Lin
Sibling names for Rawlins
Names that share Rawlins's style, for a brother or sister.
