Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Taiwan since 1969
Babies named Taiwan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 59 | 263 |
| 1980s | 12 | 151 |
| 1990s | 0 | 162 |
| 2000s | 0 | 164 |
| 2010s | 0 | 75 |
| 2020s | 0 | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Taiwan is an extremely rare given name in the United States, first appearing in official records in 1969. The name almost certainly draws from the island nation of Taiwan, whose etymology is debated but likely traces to Hokkien or indigenous Siraya words. Over the decades, Taiwan has never approached widespread use; its highest rank of 10,695 came in 2025, with a peak in raw births during 1976. In recent years, the name has held a stable but very low trajectory, remaining a distinctive choice for families with a specific connection to the place. No top states are recorded for the name, as its rarity means it has never clustered regionally.
Taiwan is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1969. It almost certainly derives from the island nation of Taiwan, whose name in Chinese (臺灣) is thought to come from the Hokkien words "tâi" (embankment or terrace) and "oân" (bay), or alternatively from a Siraya (Taiwanese indigenous) word for "aborigine" or "coastal area." The name's use for a child likely reflects patriotic or affectionate association with the place, though it has never been common.
Sibling names for Taiwan
Names that share Taiwan's style, for a brother or sister.
