Declining since 2021, #5,045 for boys today.
Popularity of Vergil since 1886
Babies named Vergil per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Vergil's real moment was 1896.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 51 |
| 1910s | 406 |
| 1920s | 527 |
| 1930s | 289 |
| 1940s | 169 |
| 1950s | 131 |
| 1960s | 84 |
| 1970s | 64 |
| 1980s | 39 |
| 1990s | 14 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 71 |
| 2020s | 101 |
Meaning & origin
Vergil is a rare boy's name with deep classical roots. First recorded in the United States in 1886, it saw its peak popularity in 1896, likely reflecting a broader interest in classical names during that era. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, with a trajectory described as 'falling' since 2021. In 2025, it was given to approximately 1 in 89,899 newborns, ranking 5045th. The name's enduring appeal lies in its connection to the Roman poet Publius Vergilius Maro, author of the Aeneid. While the variant 'Virgil' is more common, Vergil remains a distinctive choice for parents drawn to literary and historical names. The name has not recorded any top states, indicating its usage is spread thinly across the country. Its revival in the 2010s may have been influenced by characters in popular culture, though the name remains off the mainstream radar.
Vergil is the Latinate spelling of Virgil, borne by the Roman poet Publius Vergilius Maro. The etymology is debated; it may derive from Latin 'virga' meaning 'green branch' or be of Etruscan origin. The name has been used in the English-speaking world since the Renaissance, often in honor of the poet, and less commonly than the spelling 'Virgil'.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Virgil
Sibling names for Vergil
Names that share Vergil's style, for a brother or sister.
