Costello
Primarily a boy's name of Irish origin with 61 recorded births. Also given to 5 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Irish.
Costello is a girl's and boy's baby name of Irish origin, an Irish surname meaning "descendant of Oisdealbhach," used occasionally as a given name. Extremely rare in U.S. birth records.
EtymologyShow more
Costello first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1942. Arriving in the 1940s, Costello appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Irish classification suggests a path from irish linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Costello has 10+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1942.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | — |
| 2010s | 5 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 12 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 11 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 23 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 5 | — |
The Story of Costello
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1951, Costello is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Boys named Costello are most likely born between 1942 and 1961.
How rare is Costello?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Costello is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1942, peaked in the 1950s with 23 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Costello by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(10 years, 1942–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | #12507 |
| 2012 | 5 | #12637 |
| 2009 | 5 | #12860 |
| 2007 | 7 | #9967 |
| 1975 | 5 | #5625 |
| 1974 | 6 | #4726 |
| 1957 | 6 | #3645 |
| 1954 | 6 | #3521 |
| 1951 | 11 | #2398 |
| 1942 | 5 | #3665 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Costello as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Costello has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 1931.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costello a boy's or girl's name?
When was Costello most popular?
How popular is the name Costello?
Can Costello be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1942–2021