Declining since 1985, #534 for boys today.
Popularity of Scott since 1880
Babies named Scott per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 484 |
| 1890s | 380 |
| 1900s | 348 |
| 1910s | 1,284 |
| 1920s | 1,908 |
| 1930s | 1,976 |
| 1940s | 12,161 |
| 1950s | 111,819 |
| 1960s | 266,828 |
| 1970s | 194,520 |
| 1980s | 108,144 |
| 1990s | 49,019 |
| 2000s | 16,238 |
| 2010s | 6,893 |
| 2020s | 2,995 |
Meaning & origin
Scott experienced a meteoric rise in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in 1971 at a rank that placed it among the top choices for boys. According to Social Security data, its highest popularity was in that year, and it has been on a gradual decline since 1985. In 2025, Scott ranks #534, given to roughly 1 in every 3,045 newborn boys. The name has maintained a steady presence, particularly in states like Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Utah. Its trend as a crisp, single-syllable name reflects a broader pattern of surname-style given names that gained traction in the mid-century, though it has since fallen from its peak.
Scott originated as an English and Scottish surname, derived from the Old English 'Scottas' meaning 'inhabitants of Ireland' and later 'Gaels of Scotland.' The term is rooted in the Latin 'Scotti,' originally referring to Gaelic raiders from Ireland who settled in what is now Scotland. As a given name, it began to be used in the 19th century, likely inspired by the romanticism of Sir Walter Scott's novels. It gained significant popularity in the United States by the mid-20th century.
Where Scott 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.
“Scott” around the world
Where Scott lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Ireland
24
babies in 2025
New Zealand
11
babies in 2025
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Scotty
Sibling names for Scott
Names that share Scott's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Heather, Tara, Kelly, Erin, Megan, Amie, Brandy, Candice, Carrie, Christie, Jodi, Kim, Kristi, Kristin, Kristine, Kristy, Lauren, Leanne, Melanie, Misty, Pamela, Shelley, Shelly, Sherri, Stacey, Staci, Stacy, Tina, Tracey, Trisha, Wendy, Brandee, Brandie, Candi, Candyce, Carin, Caryn, Christi, Ericka, Jami, Jeana, Kandi, Karie, Karyn, Kristal, Lauri, Marcy, Melaney, Milissa, Mindy, Randi, Shanda, Shandra, Shelli, Shellie, Sheree, Stacie, Tami, Traci, Candis, Carie, Cheree, Crissy, Crista, Dusti, Janetta, Jene, Kemberly, Leesa, Leslee, Lezlie, Loni, Lyndee, Lyndsay, Machelle, Melynda, Micki, Randee, Robynn, Sharee, Sharri, Shawnda, Symone, Tamatha, Tandra, Tawnya, Tracee, Trish, Balinda, Brandis, Brandye, Chrissie, Christle, Dawnielle, Delynn, Denay, Denean, Hollyann, Jacilyn, Kimberlea, Krissa, Kriste, Kristle, Krystalyn, Laury, Lindi, Linzi, Lorren, Lynnae, Lynnell, Lysa, Malynda, Marcee, Sharna, Shelisa, Shelle, Shellee, Sherine, Shery, Shiree, Stacye, Stevee, Tawnia, Terilyn, Tifanie, Tiffiney, Tracia, Trenise, Amamda, Breanda, Canda, Candance, Carrianne, Christol, Dawnn, Denica, Donette, Dustine, Hilari, Hillari, Jacci, Jennel, Jennilyn, Jeny, Jeree, Kandise, Kandyce, Keitha, Krisann, Lanice, Lezli, Lynanne, Mare, Robbyn, Robynne, Rockell, Sharena, Tamma, Trica, Valori, Amand, Chelesa, Shellye, Tambi, Wyndi, Brandalynn, Brandii, Chaunda, Christyl, Chrystle, Cythina, Jamice, Jenyfer, Jeriann, Khristi, Khristie, Kimla, Kyrstal, Leslea, Mallissa, Meliss, Mellonie, Mellony, Shanin, Sharalee, Sharnee, Stayce, Stesha, Symphanie, Tamee, Tamilyn, Tammatha, Tamrah, Ticia
Brothers: Todd, Brett, Craig, Keith, Shane, Allen, Brad, Brent, Bryan, Cary, Chad, Darren, Darrin, Daryl, Derek, Jeffery, Kent, Rodney, Ross, Allan, Britt, Clint, Darin, Darrick, Derick, Derik, Deron, Gregg, Jarrod, Kelvin, Kraig, Kurtis, Rod, Scot, Tod, Aundra, Brain, Chadd, Derreck, Derric, Kennth, Kieth, Lynell, Male, Skip, Bradd, Brit, Dennys, Deryk, Jerret, Kreg, Kregg, Terrace, Tharon, Brentt, Chadric, Chadwin, Creg, Derryck, Gerod, Kurtiss, Terris, Criag, Deny, Dwon, Kimothy, Shawnn, Stran
Names like Scott
Names whose popularity has moved with Scott's over the last 50 years.
