Holding steady, #2,933 for girls today.
Popularity of Sunshine since 1905
Babies named Sunshine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 14 |
| 1910s | 78 |
| 1920s | 120 |
| 1930s | 20 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 37 |
| 1960s | 22 |
| 1970s | 1,911 |
| 1980s | 1,110 |
| 1990s | 552 |
| 2000s | 835 |
| 2010s | 619 |
| 2020s | 416 |
Meaning & origin
Sunshine is a modern English coinage that emerged as a given name in the early 20th century, first recorded in 1905. Its peak year was 1975, reflecting the free-spirited naming trends of that era. In 2025, it ranked 2,933rd, with a frequency of 1 in 28,198 births. The name has remained stable in usage, never falling out of favor entirely but also never achieving widespread popularity. Top states for Sunshine include Texas and California, where inventive and nature-inspired names are often embraced. While some may associate it with the 1970s era of its peak, the name has a timeless sunny disposition that appeals to parents seeking a cheerful and unconventional choice.
Sunshine originated as a late 19th-century modern coinage, primarily American, derived from the English word sunshine. It was initially used as a nickname or term of endearment before being adopted as a given name. The name saw its peak popularity in the 1970s and has remained in occasional use since.
Where Sunshine is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sunny, Shine
Variants: Sunny
Sibling names for Sunshine
Names that share Sunshine's style, for a brother or sister.
