A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wayne since 1880
Babies named Wayne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 283 |
| 1890s | 509 |
| 1900s | 1,158 |
| 1910s | 11,572 |
| 1920s | 26,402 |
| 1930s | 41,141 |
| 1940s | 75,131 |
| 1950s | 88,092 |
| 1960s | 54,762 |
| 1970s | 24,616 |
| 1980s | 14,750 |
| 1990s | 7,502 |
| 2000s | 3,719 |
| 2010s | 3,052 |
| 2020s | 2,129 |
Meaning & origin
Wayne is an English surname that transitioned into a given name, carrying the meaning 'wagon maker' or 'wagon driver'. It first appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 1880, the earliest year of Social Security data. The name rose steadily through the early 20th century, reaching its peak popularity in 1947, when it was a top 100 name. After decades of decline, Wayne has experienced a revival since 2013, climbing to rank 652 in 2025, with 1 in 4,048 boys given the name that year. Its strongest concentrations are in Wyoming, Alaska, and Oregon, reflecting a Western American character partially influenced by the iconic actor John Wayne. The name's trajectory suggests a growing interest, though it remains far from its mid-century heights.
Wayne originated as an English occupational surname for a wagon builder or driver, derived from the Old English 'wægn' meaning 'wagon'. It was adopted as a given name in the late 19th century, following the trend of using surnames as first names. The name gained significant popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, in part due to the fame of actor John Wayne.
Where Wayne 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.
“Wayne” around the world
Where Wayne lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Wayne
Names that share Wayne's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Doris, Lois, Joyce, Marilyn, Shirley, Darlene, Gail, Gayle, Lynn, Arleen, Carman, Caryn, Dawna, Deann, Deanne, Gaye, Gayla, Glenda, Joleen, Jolene, Larraine, Marcene, Marla, Nadene, Saundra, Vonda, Daneen, Darice, Darlena, Dayle, Denita, Gaylene, Glennis, Jeanene, Joline, Karlene, Renay, Sharen, Sharleen, Sharlyn, Sherryl, Willene, Ardene, Belynda, Charyl, Chrisann, Danice, Daylene, Deitra, Denean, Dewana, Djuana, Dorlene, Drenda, Dyane, Dyann, Dyanne, Gaile, Gayl, Gayleen, Genine, Jillene, Jodean, Jodell, Karene, Lenda, Linell, Lonita, Lorraina, Maralee, Raynette, Revonda, Sharalyn, Sharene, Sharin, Sharlet, Sharman, Sharmon, Sharol, Shelda, Sheral, Sheran, Sherlene, Sheryle, Valene, Velinda, Vonna, Wanna, Waynette, Brendalyn, Candus, Carlyne, Cherlynn, Chyrl, Dawnette, Debria, Delise, Dwanda, Gaylyn, Genee, Jearlene, Jearline, Jenice, Jolaine, Jowanna, Junelle, Laretha, Larna, Lujean, Lyne, Lynita, Lynnann, Mardi, Marlane, Marvina, Raejean, Scherrie, Sharel, Sharmane, Sherlie, Sherlynn, Wandra, Wenda, Denece, Earlena, Harlean, Janace, Nellene, Arelene, Charmon, Cheyrl, Colinda, Cresta, Daleen, Darlys, Deanette, Deardra, Gayna, Gelene, Jennene, Jerilee, Jillayne, Jodette, Jolayne, Juanette, Kennetha, Loanne, Mellony, Rolene, Ronne, Roxene, Rudean, Scharlene, Sherel, Sherleen, Soundra, Trinda, Vaunda, Verleen, Yuette
Brothers: Roy, Kelly, Eugene, Leonard, Ernest, Bruce, Curtis, Randal, Boone, Curt, Delane, Garland, Garth, Aundra, Daryll, Dyan, Gaylen, Lindell, Sherron, Dewain, Dewane, Donis, Doyne, Duan, Garrie, Gaylan, Gayland, Lawayne, Raynell, Autry, Ferlin, Gar, Gregary, Norval, Orlyn, Ranell, Duanne, Gaylin, Jerrol, Raydell, Rayman, Vane, Wane, Warnell, Won
Names like Wayne
Names whose popularity has moved with Wayne's over the last 50 years.
