Rising since 2008, #3,036 for boys today.
Popularity of Tyr since 2002
Babies named Tyr per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 56 |
| 2010s | 164 |
| 2020s | 298 |
Meaning & origin
Tyr is a rare but striking name drawn directly from Norse mythology, where it was borne by the god of war and justice. Its modern usage in the United States began in earnest only in 2002, and it has been gradually rising in popularity since 2008, peaking in rank in 2023 when it reached number 3,036. In 2025, the name was given to about 1 in every 42,702 newborn boys, indicating a very low frequency of use. This rarity is underscored by its concentration: Utah was the only top state for the name, suggesting a localized appeal perhaps among families with Scandinavian heritage or a fondness for mythologically inspired names. Parents drawn to names like Thor, Odin, or Loki may find Tyr an equally bold but even more uncommon alternative.
Tyr is the Old Norse form of the name of a Germanic god associated with war and justice, corresponding to the earlier Proto-Germanic *Tīwaz, which itself is cognate with the Sanskrit deity Dyaus and the Greek Zeus. In Norse mythology, Tyr was a one-handed god who sacrificed his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir. The name died out as a given name after the Christianization of Scandinavia but saw occasional use in modern times, particularly in Iceland and among enthusiasts of Norse mythology.
Where Tyr is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ty, Tyrr
Sibling names for Tyr
Names that share Tyr's style, for a brother or sister.
