Declining since 2017, #6,116 for girls today.
Popularity of Vail since 1915
Babies named Vail per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 15 |
| 1920s | 0 | 11 |
| 1930s | 0 | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 | 7 |
| 1950s | 5 | 7 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 6 | 6 |
| 2000s | 36 | 16 |
| 2010s | 235 | 17 |
| 2020s | 147 | 29 |
Meaning & origin
Vail is a modern place name taken from the famous Colorado ski resort, which itself honors railroad builder Charles Vail. The name first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1952, reaching its peak rank in 2018. As of 2025, Vail ranks 6,116, with about 1 in 84,593 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2017, indicating a recent decline in favor. Despite its association with a glamorous destination, Vail remains rare and is rarely given in any single state, reflected in its lack of top states. The name's style aligns with other outdoorsy place names like Aspen and Sage, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive, nature-inspired choice. Its meaning, while tied to a surname of probable French origin for 'valley', is primarily defined by the resort's cachet rather than a literal translation.
Vail is a transferred use of the Colorado ski resort town name, which itself derives from the surname of railroad worker Charles Vail. The surname may be a variant of 'Vale', from Old French 'val' meaning 'valley'. Its use as a given name began in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of the ski destination. The name gained modest traction as a unisex option, though it remains rare.
Sibling names for Vail
Names that share Vail's style, for a brother or sister.
