Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Solon since 1880
Babies named Solon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Solon's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 58 |
| 1890s | 18 |
| 1900s | 51 |
| 1910s | 171 |
| 1920s | 227 |
| 1930s | 148 |
| 1940s | 110 |
| 1950s | 80 |
| 1960s | 78 |
| 1970s | 61 |
| 1980s | 42 |
| 1990s | 64 |
| 2000s | 112 |
| 2010s | 92 |
| 2020s | 39 |
Meaning & origin
Solon is a rare given name with deep historical resonance. First recorded in U.S. baby name data in 1880, it reached its peak popularity in 1881, though even then it was uncommon. In 2025, the name ranked 12,008th, with only about 1 in every 341,615 newborns receiving it. Its trajectory has remained stable, never experiencing a major surge or decline. The name's enduring appeal lies in its connection to the ancient Athenian statesman and lawgiver Solon, whose reforms laid the groundwork for Athenian democracy. Parents choosing Solon today are often drawn to its scholarly and noble associations, as well as its distinctive, concise sound. While it has never been widely used in any U.S. state, it appears occasionally in families with an interest in classical history or philosophy.
Solon is best known as the name of the celebrated Athenian statesman and lawgiver of the 6th century BCE. The name's etymology is debated; it may derive from Greek 'solos' (wisdom) or from an older pre-Greek root. It was revived as a given name in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the United States, often as a tribute to the historical figure.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sol
Sibling names for Solon
Names that share Solon's style, for a brother or sister.
