MallowbyNames

Trenton

TREN-tən · Trenton means 'town on the River Trent' or 'dweller by the Trent'.

2025 rank (boys)
#1,038
Babies named in 2025
213
Peak popularity
2007
2025 frequency
1 in 8,019 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2002

Declining since 2002, #1,038 for boys today.

Popularity of Trenton since 1913

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

7781.6k2.3k192019602000Most births 2007Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s47
1920s102
1930s99
1940s143
1950s214
1960s931
1970s2,691
1980s5,877
1990s14,692
2000s20,898
2010s10,917
2020s1,946

Meaning & origin

Trenton has been recorded in the United States since 1913, but it truly came into its own in the late 20th century. The name reached its peak popularity in 2007, when it ranked highest among baby names. Since 2002, its use has been on a declining trajectory, but it remains a familiar choice. In 2025, the name ranked 1,038, with about 1 in 8,019 boys named Trenton. Geographically, the name has seen particular favor in states such as Alabama, Missouri, and Kansas, reflecting a concentration in the central and southern U.S. Trenton's appeal lies in its strong, place-derived sound, similar to other locational surnames used as first names. While no longer as popular as in its peak years, Trenton continues to be a recognizable and solid name for boys.

Trenton derives from the Old English river name *Trent* (of uncertain origin, possibly meaning 'trespasser' or 'flooder') combined with *tun* meaning 'enclosure, settlement'. It originally referred to a place near the River Trent in England. As a given name, Trenton emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, initially as a surname transferred to first name use. Its popularity grew significantly in the late 20th century, peaking around 2007.

Where Trenton 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: Trent, Trenty

Variants: Trenten, Trentin

Sibling names for Trenton

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

Names like Trenton

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

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

T is for Trenton, our favorite little boy.

T is for Trenton…”

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

Make Trenton's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Trenton mean?
Trenton means 'town on the River Trent' or 'dweller by the Trent', originating from an English place name.
How popular is the name Trenton?
As of 2025, Trenton ranked 1,038 in the United States, with approximately 1 in 8,019 baby boys given the name that year.
Is Trenton a boy's name or a girl's name?
Trenton is almost exclusively used for boys.