Holding steady.
Popularity of Swan since 1889
Babies named Swan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Swan's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 | 5 |
| 1910s | 0 | 24 |
| 1920s | 0 | 59 |
| 1930s | 0 | 8 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 7 | 0 |
| 1970s | 15 | 0 |
| 1980s | 21 | 13 |
| 1990s | 25 | 5 |
| 2000s | 5 | 0 |
| 2010s | 5 | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Swan is a rare English nature name, first recorded in the United States in 1889. It has never entered the top 1,000 names, and its usage remains uncommon, with no notable peak or revival. The name's stability since the 1880s reflects its status as a niche choice, often favored by parents seeking a distinctive avian name. While not associated with any top states, Swan fits within a contemporary trend of word names drawn from the natural world.
Swan is an English vocabulary name derived from the Old English 'swan', referring to the large waterbird of the genus Cygnus. As a given name, it has been used sparingly since the 19th century, often as a poetic or nature-inspired choice. The name may also derive from the surname Swan, which originated as a nickname for someone thought to resemble a swan in purity or grace.
“Swan” around the world
Where Swan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
260
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Swan
Names that share Swan's style, for a brother or sister.
