Declining since 2000, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Thorne since 1920
Babies named Thorne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 7 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 38 |
| 1960s | 20 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 116 |
| 2000s | 119 |
| 2010s | 64 |
| 2020s | 50 |
Meaning & origin
Thorne is a sharp, nature-inspired name that has maintained a consistent but low profile in American naming. First recorded in 1920, it reached its peak popularity in 2001, but since 2000 it has been on a gradual decline. In 2025, it ranked 8,910th, with about 1 in 213,510 newborns receiving the name. The name has never been tied to any particular state or region, and its usage remains scattered. Thorne's appeal lies in its crisp, one-syllable sound and its connection to the natural landscape, making it a choice for parents who prefer understated, earthy names without widespread popularity.
Thorne is an English surname and given name derived from Old English 'þorn,' meaning 'thorn bush' or 'thorny thicket.' It originally referred to someone who lived near a prominent thorn tree or hedge. As a first name, it saw occasional use in the 20th century, likely influenced by literary and familial traditions. The name has a sharp, nature-inspired quality that appeals to parents seeking a rugged, one-syllable name.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Thorn
Sibling names for Thorne
Names that share Thorne's style, for a brother or sister.
