Declining since 2011, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Rider since 1993
Babies named Rider per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 132 |
| 2000s | 434 |
| 2010s | 549 |
| 2020s | 178 |
Meaning & origin
Rider entered U.S. birth records in 1993, a relatively recent addition to the pool of English given names. Its rank in 2025 sits at 3,658, with approximately 1 in 56,936 newborns receiving the name. The name reached its peak popularity in 2014, followed by a gradual decline in usage after 2011, according to Social Security data. As an occupational surname from Old English 'ridere,' meaning 'horseman' or 'messenger,' Rider fits the trend of surname-style first names that became fashionable in the late 20th century. While its meaning is straightforward, the name carries connotations of movement and freedom, appealing to parents seeking a modern, active name.
Rider is derived from the Old English 'ridere', meaning 'one who rides', originally an occupational surname for a horseman, knight, or mounted messenger. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the broader trend of using surname-style names and the Western cowboy culture. Its use increased notably in the 1990s and peaked in 2014.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ryder
Sibling names for Rider
Names that share Rider's style, for a brother or sister.
