Declining since 2018, #859 for boys today.
Popularity of Rex since 1880
Babies named Rex per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 183 |
| 1890s | 305 |
| 1900s | 497 |
| 1910s | 3,253 |
| 1920s | 5,627 |
| 1930s | 5,949 |
| 1940s | 6,671 |
| 1950s | 13,499 |
| 1960s | 8,735 |
| 1970s | 3,359 |
| 1980s | 2,532 |
| 1990s | 1,740 |
| 2000s | 2,048 |
| 2010s | 3,945 |
| 2020s | 2,106 |
Meaning & origin
Rex is a short, strong Latin name meaning 'king.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880 and experienced its peak popularity in 1951, when it ranked highest among baby boys. Since then, its usage has declined, particularly after 2018, but it remains a recognizable and straightforward choice. The name is especially popular in Utah, Oklahoma, and Arizona, states where traditional and biblical names have enduring appeal. While never common, Rex has maintained a steady presence, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both concise and commanding.
Rex is directly from the Latin noun rēx, meaning 'king' or 'ruler'. It was used as a cognomen in ancient Rome and later revived as a given name in the English-speaking world in the 19th century. The name carries connotations of regal authority and has been used occasionally as a short form of names like Reginald, though more often it stands on its own.
Where Rex is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rex” around the world
Where Rex lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
11
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Sibling names for Rex
Names that share Rex's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ruby, Rose, Ruth, Vera, Stella, Cher, Joie, Ora, Theda, Fate, Fonda, La, Lynetta, Ula, Veta, Viva, Zetta, Zona, Dela, Dezi, Diva, Ka, Lota, Noni, Novie, Nyoka, Rema, Roe, Towana, Vila, Zuly, Crystale, Dali, Dura, Exa, Ica, Junell, Lynix, Rexanne, Rox, Boots, Chala, Chanti, Cheray, Delsa, Jyra, Loda, Manilla, Palin, Pharah, Reata, Rexanna, Rexine, Rhina, Roda, Rus, Shuree, Soli, Syan, Ta, Uva, Xee
Brothers: Max, Jack, Finn, Leo, Otis, Butch, Champ, Dax, Lex, Van, Von, Blade, Colonel, Iran, Kage, Kal, Ladd, Maxx, Notnamed, Sire, Bane, Chee, Cire, Daxx, Delray, Kort, Lisle, Oz, Ples, Raider, Real, Ry, Tab, Taz, Tidus, Tri, Tuff, Yeng, Bawi, Buzz, Coe, Czar, Dyke, Jaz, Jw, Kalix, Mal, Marqui, Marz, Miner, Pao, Roc, Si, Tige, Vash, Vin, Zae, Tank, Benz, Bex, Brex, Cap, Caz, Chrys, Ho, Hy, Jex, Kap, Khup, Kitt, Kix, Lemmy, Luxx, Nikai, Nix, Phat, Rad, Rahm, Rev, Ryze, Shadee, Syir, Tane, Tkai, Trei, Xai, Xeng
Names like Rex
Names whose popularity has moved with Rex's over the last 50 years.
