Declining since 2022, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Thorsten since 1969
Babies named Thorsten per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 8 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 12 |
| 2010s | 107 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Thorsten is a German and Scandinavian variant of Thorstein, rooted in Old Norse mythology with the meaning 'Thor's stone.' The name has a long history in Scandinavia and Germany, but in the United States it remains rare. In 2025, it ranked 6,446, with only about 1 in 131,390 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak popularity in the U.S. occurred in 2023, and it has been falling in use since 2022. While it has no recorded top states, Thorsten is likely used by families with German or Scandinavian heritage. The name carries a strong, mythological resonance without being common, offering a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with ancient roots and a solid, masculine sound.
Thorsten is a German and Scandinavian variant of Thorstein, derived from Old Norse Þórsteinn, composed of Þórr (the god Thor) and steinn (stone). The name was borne by numerous figures in Norse sagas and has been used in Germany and Scandinavia for centuries. It gained modest popularity in Germany during the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Torsten, Thor
Sibling names for Thorsten
Names that share Thorsten's style, for a brother or sister.

