Rising since 1987, #757 for boys today.
Popularity of Trace since 1956
Babies named Trace per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2008, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Trace's real moment was 1998.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 76 |
| 1960s | 403 |
| 1970s | 259 |
| 1980s | 464 |
| 1990s | 2,409 |
| 2000s | 4,524 |
| 2010s | 3,465 |
| 2020s | 2,164 |
Meaning & origin
Trace is a modern English name, first recorded in the Social Security data in 1956. It reached its peak rank in 1998, when it was most commonly chosen. As of 2025, Trace ranks #757, with about 1 in 5,024 boys receiving the name. Its popularity has been rising since 1987, and it is particularly favored in states like West Virginia, Louisiana, and Idaho. The name's simplicity and connection to the word 'trace' give it a straightforward, modern appeal.
Trace originated as a modern English coinage, likely from the vocabulary word 'trace'. It may also be a short form of Tracey, itself from an Anglo-Norman surname meaning 'bracelet' or 'thicket'. The name gained modest use in the mid-20th century and has been primarily used for boys.
Where Trace 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.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Trace
Names that share Trace's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Trace
Names whose popularity has moved with Trace's over the last 50 years.
