Holding steady.
Popularity of Ritter since 1997
Babies named Ritter per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 9 |
| 2010s | 87 |
| 2020s | 21 |
Meaning & origin
Ritter is a modern surname-as-first-name adoption, first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1997. It peaked in usage in 2016 but has never entered the top 1000, making it a genuinely rare choice. The name's trajectory has been stable, with no sharp rise or decline. Its German root meaning 'knight' lends a strong, occupational feel, though it lacks deep history as a given name. As a rare name with no top state concentration, Ritter appeals to parents seeking an uncommon, sturdy name with European roots.
Ritter is a German surname meaning 'knight' or 'rider', derived from Middle High German 'riter' (rider). As a given name, it emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, likely as a surname-as-first-name trend. Its use as a first name remains rare, with no strong historical tradition as a given name.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rit
Sibling names for Ritter
Names that share Ritter's style, for a brother or sister.
