A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Turner since 1880
Babies named Turner per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2019, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Turner's real moment was 1888.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 153 |
| 1890s | 165 |
| 1900s | 180 |
| 1910s | 515 |
| 1920s | 569 |
| 1930s | 374 |
| 1940s | 343 |
| 1950s | 319 |
| 1960s | 213 |
| 1970s | 136 |
| 1980s | 376 |
| 1990s | 1,361 |
| 2000s | 1,818 |
| 2010s | 2,221 |
| 2020s | 1,246 |
Meaning & origin
Turner, an English occupational surname meaning 'lathe worker,' has been in use as a given name in the United States since at least 1880. Its peak popularity came in 1888, but after a long decline, the name began rising again in 1985. In 2025, it ranked 1097th, with approximately 1 in 8759 boys receiving the name. Turner shows strong regional appeal in states like North Dakota, South Carolina, and Kentucky. The name fits the modern preference for surname-inspired first names, blending a straightforward sound with a sense of craftsmanship.
Turner is an English occupational surname derived from the Old French "tourneur" (one who works with a lathe). It was adopted as a given name in the 19th century, part of the trend of using surnames as first names. The name has seen steady use in the United States since the 1880s.
Where Turner 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: Turn, T
Sibling names for Turner
Names that share Turner's style, for a brother or sister.
