Rising since 2006, #3,342 for girls today.
Popularity of Silver since 1896
Babies named Silver per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 0 | 10 |
| 1900s | 0 | 0 |
| 1910s | 34 | 20 |
| 1920s | 47 | 38 |
| 1930s | 72 | 34 |
| 1940s | 63 | 16 |
| 1950s | 64 | 16 |
| 1960s | 49 | 6 |
| 1970s | 58 | 18 |
| 1980s | 252 | 18 |
| 1990s | 238 | 39 |
| 2000s | 185 | 83 |
| 2010s | 414 | 113 |
| 2020s | 273 | 117 |
Meaning & origin
Silver is a unisex name that directly references the precious metal, evoking notions of brilliance and value. First recorded in U.S. data in 1915, it remained rare for decades. In 2025, it ranked 3,342, with about 1 in 34,941 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity has been rising steadily since 2006, reaching an all-time peak in 2023. The name is most popular in Texas. Silver fits into a broader trend of metal and mineral names such as Ruby, Jasper, and Onyx, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive nature-inspired choice.
Silver derives directly from the Old English 'seolfor', referring to the metallic element. As a given name, it emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, likely influenced by the trend of using gem and metal names. Its use has been sporadic but has seen a recent uptick, particularly as a unisex option.
Where Silver is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sil, Silvie
Sibling names for Silver
Names that share Silver's style, for a brother or sister.
