Holding steady, #2,718 for boys today.
Popularity of Unknown since 1880
Babies named Unknown per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 13 | 51 |
| 1890s | 45 | 97 |
| 1900s | 68 | 98 |
| 1910s | 123 | 211 |
| 1920s | 96 | 149 |
| 1930s | 110 | 64 |
| 1940s | 1,224 | 711 |
| 1950s | 4,723 | 4,206 |
| 1960s | 507 | 762 |
| 1970s | 150 | 196 |
| 1980s | 398 | 443 |
| 1990s | 1,146 | 1,296 |
| 2000s | 356 | 413 |
| 2010s | 592 | 790 |
| 2020s | 275 | 401 |
Meaning & origin
Unknown is an exceptionally rare and unconventional name. In 2025, it ranked 2,718th with a frequency of 1 in 36,342 newborns, reflecting its scarcity. The name's peak year was 1954, though even then it never reached widespread use. Over the decades, its trajectory has remained stable, never breaking into common usage. Oregon (OR) stands out as the top state for Unknown, suggesting a peculiar regional affinity. The name's etymological roots are indistinct; it may be a modern coinage from the English word or a rare surname. As a truly distinctive choice, Unknown appeals to parents seeking a name that defies convention and embraces ambiguity.
Unknown is a rare given name possibly derived from the English word 'unknown,' meaning 'not known' or 'not identified.' It has occasionally been used as a first name, likely influenced by its use as a surname or from the concept of the unknown. The name may have also been adopted for its modern, enigmatic quality. Its usage as a given name is sporadic and not deeply rooted in any specific language.
Where Unknown 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.
Sibling names for Unknown
Names that share Unknown's style, for a brother or sister.
