MallowbyNames

Stark

STARK · Strong, rigid, or severe, from the Old English 'stearc'.

2025 rank (boys)
#6,446
Babies named in 2025
13
Peak popularity
2019
2025 frequency
1 in 131,390 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2020

Declining since 2020, #6,446 for boys today.

Popularity of Stark since 1950

Babies named Stark per year in U.S. Social Security records.

918271960198020002020Most births 2019Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1950s5
1960s5
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s161
2020s86

Meaning & origin

Stark is a modern English given name derived from a surname originally meaning 'strong' or 'severe'. It first appeared in records in 1950, but saw a dramatic rise in popularity following the success of the 'Game of Thrones' franchise. Its peak year was 2019, when it reached rank 6,446. Since 2020, its usage has been falling, reflecting the cooling of the series' cultural spotlight. Despite its decline, Stark remains a powerful, single-syllable name with a sharp, distinctive sound. It has not broken into any state's top rankings, indicating a scattered but dedicated fan base across the country.

Stark is derived from the Old English 'stearc', meaning 'strong, rigid, or severe'. It was originally a surname or nickname for a person of stern character. The name gained modern usage as a given name, particularly popularized by the Stark family in George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and its television adaptation 'Game of Thrones' (1996/2011).

Sibling names for Stark

Names that share Stark's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Stark, our favorite little boy.

S is for Stark…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Stark's letter becomes Stark's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Stark's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Stark mean?
Stark is an English surname-turned-first-name meaning 'strong, rigid, or severe', from Old English 'stearc'.
How popular is the name Stark?
Stark was ranked #6,446 in 2025, with about 1 in 131,390 boys given the name.
Is Stark a boy or girl name?
Stark is predominantly used as a boy's name.