Declining since 2014, #3,379 for boys today.
Popularity of Thane since 1916
Babies named Thane per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 49 |
| 1930s | 35 |
| 1940s | 62 |
| 1950s | 171 |
| 1960s | 369 |
| 1970s | 241 |
| 1980s | 218 |
| 1990s | 301 |
| 2000s | 417 |
| 2010s | 490 |
| 2020s | 238 |
Meaning & origin
Thane is a name that draws its identity from the medieval Scottish and English social structure, where a thane was a high-ranking landholder. It entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1916, and after a century of use, it peaked in popularity in 2015. Since 2014, however, its usage has been gradually falling. The name remains quite rare, with approximately 1 in 50,238 boys receiving it in 2025, and it is most frequently given in Michigan. Thane's literary resonance with Shakespeare's "Macbeth" gives it a classic but unconventional feel, appealing to parents seeking a strong, historical name without commonplaceness. Its trajectory suggests it will likely remain an uncommon choice, appreciated for its distinctive sound and noble simplicity.
Thane derives from Old English "thegen" (servant, warrior, retainer) and its Scots variant "thayne," used in medieval Scotland and northern England to denote a chief or lord ranking below a baron. The term appears in historical records and Shakespeare's "Macbeth," where the title Thane of Cawdor is central to the plot. As a given name, Thane emerged in the early 20th century, likely revived through literary and historical references, and has remained rare but consistently used.
Where Thane is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Thane
Names that share Thane's style, for a brother or sister.
