Holding steady.
Popularity of Tristram since 1958
Babies named Tristram per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 26 |
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1980s | 37 |
| 1990s | 14 |
| 2000s | 17 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tristram is a rare and literary name, never cracking the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1987, and it has shown remarkably stable but minimal usage since, with no recorded revival in the 2020s. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1958, reflecting intermittent interest tied to its literary and legendary associations. It has been borne consistently by boys, without a single top state showing significant concentration. This rarity appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with deep roots in Arthurian romance, though its serious and melancholic undertones may not suit everyone.
The name Tristram is the original form of Tristan, from the Celtic legend of Tristan and Iseult. The name's etymology is debated, but it may derive from the Pictish name Drust or a Celtic root meaning 'sad' or 'tumult'. It entered English through the medieval romance and was revived in the 19th century. The spelling 'Tristram' was particularly popularized by Laurence Sterne's novel Tristram Shandy (1759).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Trist, Tris
Sibling names for Tristram
Names that share Tristram's style, for a brother or sister.
