Declining since 2014, #2,833 for boys today.
Popularity of Thor since 1904
Babies named Thor per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 86 |
| 1920s | 117 |
| 1930s | 91 |
| 1940s | 137 |
| 1950s | 208 |
| 1960s | 568 |
| 1970s | 538 |
| 1980s | 469 |
| 1990s | 498 |
| 2000s | 699 |
| 2010s | 1,026 |
| 2020s | 415 |
Meaning & origin
Thor is a name of Norse origin meaning 'thunder,' directly referencing the hammer-wielding god of thunder in Norse mythology. The name has been used in Scandinavia for centuries but saw a resurgence in the United States after the debut of Marvel's Thor comic book in the 1960s, with a more dramatic spike following the 2011 film. According to U.S. Social Security data, Thor first appeared on the charts in 1904, though it remained extremely rare for decades. Its peak year was 2015, when it ranked 2833 and was given to roughly 1 in 38820 boys. Since 2014, the name has been falling in popularity. In 2025, its rank was 2833, and its most common state of use was California. While pop culture has certainly boosted the name, Thor retains a strong, mythological gravitas that appeals to parents seeking a powerful, short name with deep roots.
Thor derives from Old Norse Þórr, the name of the hammer-wielding god of thunder in Norse mythology. The name is connected to the Germanic *Þunraz, meaning 'thunder,' and shares a root with the English word 'thunder.' Thor has been used as a given name in Scandinavia for centuries and gained wider recognition through the Marvel comics and films.
Where Thor is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Thor
Names that share Thor's style, for a brother or sister.
