MallowbyNames

Vedder

VED-er · Surname origin of uncertain meaning, possibly a habitational name from a place in the Netherlands.

Peak popularity
2012
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2011

Declining since 2011.

Popularity of Vedder since 2005

Babies named Vedder per year in U.S. Social Security records.

491320102020Most births 2012Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
2000s17
2010s71
2020s18

Meaning & origin

Vedder entered the U.S. baby name landscape in 2005, a modern adoption of a surname most famously borne by Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam. The name saw its peak usage in 2012, but has been steadily falling in popularity since 2011. As of 2025, Vedder remains rare and does not appear in any state's top rankings. The name's trajectory reflects a broader pattern: celebrity-inspired names often enjoy a brief spike before declining. While Vedder has not achieved mainstream status, its distinctive sound and strong cultural association keep it an unusual choice for parents seeking a surname-style first name.

Vedder originates as a surname of English and Dutch origin. In English, it may be an occupational name for a dealer in furs or skins, from Middle English 'veder' meaning 'feather' but also used for fur. Alternatively, it could be a habitational name from the Dutch village of Vedder. As a given name, Vedder is a modern transfer of the surname, notably associated with musician Eddie Vedder. It has been used in the United States since the early 2000s, with a peak popularity in 2012.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ved, Eddie

Sibling names for Vedder

Names that share Vedder's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

V is for Vedder, our favorite little boy.

V is for Vedder…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Vedder's letter becomes Vedder's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Vedder's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Vedder mean?
Vedder is a surname of uncertain meaning, possibly derived from an English occupational term for a fur dealer or from a place in the Netherlands.
How popular is Vedder as a baby name?
Vedder first appeared in U.S. records in 2005. Its peak year was 2012, and its popularity has been declining since 2011. As of 2025, it does not rank in the top 1000.
Is Vedder a boy's or girl's name?
Vedder is typically used for boys, following the trend of surname-style names for males.