Holding steady.
Popularity of Sony since 1968
Babies named Sony per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 | 0 |
| 1970s | 16 | 31 |
| 1980s | 18 | 92 |
| 1990s | 0 | 91 |
| 2000s | 0 | 46 |
| 2010s | 0 | 14 |
| 2020s | 0 | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Sony is a modern given name first recorded in the United States in 1974 without a clear established meaning. Its peak year was 1988, when it saw its highest usage, though it has never cracked the top 1000 names overall. Since that peak, its trajectory has remained relatively stable with low usage. The name's similarity to the Japanese electronics corporation Sony may contribute to occasional interest, but direct cultural influence is uncertain. As a modern coinage, Sony lacks deep historical roots or an extensive set of variants.
Sony is a modern name, first recorded in the United States in 1974. It may be derived from the Japanese word 'soni' (rhythm) or could be a respelling of 'Sonny', itself a diminutive of 'Son'. The name's popularity peaked in 1988, likely influenced by the global recognition of the Sony electronics brand, though direct attribution to the company is speculative.
“Sony” around the world
Where Sony lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sonny, S
Sibling names for Sony
Names that share Sony's style, for a brother or sister.

