Declining since 2013, #1,547 for boys today.
Popularity of Truman since 1880
Babies named Truman per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 155 |
| 1890s | 167 |
| 1900s | 276 |
| 1910s | 1,590 |
| 1920s | 2,334 |
| 1930s | 1,891 |
| 1940s | 2,302 |
| 1950s | 672 |
| 1960s | 571 |
| 1970s | 490 |
| 1980s | 386 |
| 1990s | 805 |
| 2000s | 1,662 |
| 2010s | 1,928 |
| 2020s | 718 |
Meaning & origin
Truman is a name with strong American associations, most notably tied to President Harry S. Truman. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, but saw its peak in 1945, aligning with the Truman presidency. Despite a general decline over the past decades, the name retains a classic, dignified feel. In 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in every 15,388 newborn boys, ranking 1,547th. Its popularity has been falling since 2013. States where Truman is especially common include Missouri, Kentucky, and Utah. As a surname-turned-first-name, it fits alongside other occupational or virtue surnames, and its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible. Parents drawn to Truman often appreciate its historical weight and its quality of conveying integrity and dependability.
Truman is an English surname with roots in Middle English 'trew(e)' meaning 'faithful' and 'mann' meaning 'man', so it denotes a 'trusty servant' or 'loyal man'. It was originally used as a nickname for a faithful retainer, emerging as a surname in medieval England. Given as a first name, it rose to prominence in the 20th century, partly influenced by U.S. President Harry S. Truman.
Where Truman 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
Nicknames: True, Man
Sibling names for Truman
Names that share Truman's style, for a brother or sister.
