Admiral
A boy's name of Arabic origin with 263 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Alternative letter-case form of admiral in its various senses.
Admiral is a boy's baby name of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic amir al-bahr meaning 'commander of the sea.' The title entered European languages through medieval contact with Arab navies and became a high military rank across Western fleets.
As a given name, Admiral carries unmistakable authority — parents choosing it tend to be drawn to names with built-in gravitas and a sense of command.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Admiral belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At three syllables, it has a three-beat flow that carries a sense of formality and completeness.
Within the Arabic naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Arabic names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Admiral’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Admiral has 31+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1898.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 6 | #10895 | — |
| 2010s | 6 | #10802 | — |
| 1980s | 6 | #5631 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 10 | #4038 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 20 | #3331 | — |
| 1940s | 20 | #3018 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 24 | #2920 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 73 | #2987 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 32 | #3009 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 28 | #948 | ▼ |
| 1890s | 38 | #472 | — |
The Story of Admiral
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1898, Admiral is a name steeped in history. Boys named Admiral are most likely born between 1898 and 1908.
How rare is Admiral?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Admiral is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1898, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 73 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Admiral by the numbers
- Would fill 5 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(31 years, 1898–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 | #10895 |
| 2017 | 6 | #10802 |
| 1982 | 6 | #5631 |
| 1968 | 5 | #4142 |
| 1965 | 5 | #3933 |
| 1956 | 7 | #3218 |
| 1955 | 8 | #2966 |
| 1953 | 5 | #3808 |
| 1945 | 5 | #3341 |
| 1943 | 6 | #3234 |
| 1940 | 9 | #2479 |
| 1932 | 9 | #2640 |
| 1931 | 7 | #3096 |
| 1930 | 8 | #3024 |
| 1929 | 7 | #3249 |
| 1928 | 8 | #3078 |
| 1927 | 15 | #2121 |
| 1926 | 7 | #3391 |
| 1925 | 11 | #2590 |
| 1924 | 8 | #3262 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Admiral a boy's or girl's name?
When was Admiral most popular?
How popular is the name Admiral?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1898–2022