Declining since 1989, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Waldo since 1880
Babies named Waldo per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Waldo's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 134 |
| 1890s | 196 |
| 1900s | 228 |
| 1910s | 1,178 |
| 1920s | 1,355 |
| 1930s | 820 |
| 1940s | 471 |
| 1950s | 358 |
| 1960s | 278 |
| 1970s | 154 |
| 1980s | 188 |
| 1990s | 155 |
| 2000s | 113 |
| 2010s | 66 |
| 2020s | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Waldo, a name of Old German origin meaning 'rule' or 'power,' has seen a long decline in use since its peak in the early 1900s. First recorded in the United States in 1880, it reached its highest popularity in 1908, when it ranked as high as 473rd for newborn boys. However, by 1989 it began a steady fall in usage, and by 2025 it sat at rank 10,695 with a 1-in-284,679 frequency. Despite its rarity, the name retains a vintage charm, often associated with the literary character from Ralph Waldo Emerson's writings. Its crisp, two-syllable sound and straightforward spelling make it a distinctive choice for those drawn to historical names.
Waldo is a short form of Germanic names beginning with 'wald', meaning 'rule' or 'power,' such as Waldemar or Walther. It has been used as an independent name since the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name saw peak popularity in the United States around 1908 but has since declined.
Where Waldo 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 Waldo
Names that share Waldo's style, for a brother or sister.
