MallowbyNames

Todd

TOD · Fox, an animal known for its cleverness.

2025 rank (boys)
#1,609
Babies named in 2025
105
Peak popularity
1968
2025 frequency
1 in 16,267 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1985

Declining since 1985, #1,609 for boys today.

Popularity of Todd since 1881

Babies named Todd per year in U.S. Social Security records.

5.1k10.2k15.4k192019602000Most births 1964Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1880s18
1890s0
1900s23
1910s112
1920s228
1930s398
1940s2,169
1950s18,569
1960s128,741
1970s83,319
1980s30,325
1990s11,614
2000s4,122
2010s2,006
2020s686

Meaning & origin

Todd is a classic American name that experienced its heyday in the mid-20th century. First recorded in 1881, it peaked in popularity in 1968, when it was among the top choices for baby boys. Since 1985, its use has been steadily declining, reflecting a shift away from traditional short names. Currently ranked 1609, Todd is now relatively rare, given to about 1 in 16,267 boys in 2025. It was most popular in states like Utah, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania, suggesting a broad but fading regional appeal. The name's meaning, 'fox,' ties it to a sense of cleverness, though its modern usage feels more like a surname-turned-first-name than a nature-inspired choice.

Todd derives from the Middle English word 'todde,' meaning 'fox.' It originated as a nickname for someone thought to be clever or cunning, or perhaps for someone with red hair. The name first appeared as a surname, used since the 13th century, and transitioned to a given name in the modern era, particularly in the United States during the 20th century.

Where Todd is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Tod

Variants: Tod

Sibling names for Todd

Names that share Todd's style, for a brother or sister.

Names like Todd

Names whose popularity has moved with Todd's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

T is for Todd, our favorite little boy.

T is for Todd…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Todd's letter becomes Todd's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Todd's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Todd mean?
Todd means 'fox,' from the Middle English word 'todde.' It was originally a nickname for someone sly or with red hair.
How popular is the name Todd today?
Todd is currently ranked 1609 in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 16,267 newborn boys given the name in 2025, showing a significant drop from its peak.
Is Todd a boy's name or a girl's name?
Todd is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.