A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Rocky since 1913
Babies named Rocky per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 60 |
| 1920s | 158 |
| 1930s | 203 |
| 1940s | 1,059 |
| 1950s | 6,971 |
| 1960s | 4,578 |
| 1970s | 3,667 |
| 1980s | 4,353 |
| 1990s | 1,756 |
| 2000s | 1,767 |
| 2010s | 2,115 |
| 2020s | 2,000 |
Meaning & origin
Rocky has been in use as a given name since at least 1913, though its peak popularity came in the 1950s when it reached its highest rank in 1957. The name enjoyed a revival in the decades following, and since 1998 it has been on an upward trajectory, re-entering the top 1000 and climbing steadily. In 2025, Rocky sits at rank 568, with about 1 in 3,285 baby boys receiving the name, a testament to its enduring appeal. Geographically, the name has shown particular favor in Hawaii, Utah, and New Mexico. Its strong, straightforward sound and association with the word "rock" give it a rugged, athletic feel that continues to attract parents looking for a short, punchy name with classic American overtones.
Rocky is derived from the English word "rock," which comes from Old English "rocc" and ultimately from Latin "rocca." As a given name, it originated as a nickname for someone with a sturdy, unyielding nature or as a diminutive of names like Rocco. It gained popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1950s, partly due to cultural influences such as the film character Rocky Balboa.
Where Rocky 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.
“Rocky” around the world
Where Rocky lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
New Zealand
20
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rock
Variants: Rocco
Sibling names for Rocky
Names that share Rocky's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Rocky
Names whose popularity has moved with Rocky's over the last 50 years.
