Declining since 2017.
Popularity of Washington since 1880
Babies named Washington per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Washington's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 215 |
| 1890s | 162 |
| 1900s | 144 |
| 1910s | 371 |
| 1920s | 415 |
| 1930s | 249 |
| 1940s | 241 |
| 1950s | 165 |
| 1960s | 119 |
| 1970s | 121 |
| 1980s | 81 |
| 1990s | 104 |
| 2000s | 84 |
| 2010s | 129 |
| 2020s | 44 |
Meaning & origin
Washington is an English surname that rose to prominence as a given name in honor of George Washington, the first U.S. president. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, and reached its peak rank in 1884, reflecting the patriotic naming trends of the late 19th century. Since 2017, its usage has been falling. Despite its historical weight, Washington has never been a common first name; its rarity today underscores its distinctive, stately character. The name carries the weight of American history but remains understated in modern use.
Washington is an English surname derived from a place name in County Durham, Old English 'Wassingatūn' meaning 'estate of the people of Wassa'. Its use as a given name honors George Washington, first U.S. president, and became especially popular in 19th-century America, peaking in the 1880s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wash, Washi
Sibling names for Washington
Names that share Washington's style, for a brother or sister.
