Is Dexter a boy's or girl's name?

Dexter is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 218 recorded births.

When was Dexter most popular?

Dexter reached its peak popularity in 2012 with 842 births that year. It is currently ranked #720 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Dexter?

Dexter is currently ranked #720 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 36,186 babies since 1880.

Dexter

A Latin name gently fading from the charts.

Boy's name| Also girlsLatinDeclining Also a pet name

#720▼ 19in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname originating as an occupation for a female dyer.

Dexter is a boy's and girl's baby name of Latin origin, from the Latin dexter meaning 'right-handed' or 'skillful' — in Latin, 'right' connoted dexterity, good fortune, and skill. As a surname, it was an occupational name for a female dyer of cloth in Old English.

Dexter has a smart, slightly nerdy-cool energy that the Showtime series Dexter (2006–2021) amplified considerably — the forensic scientist protagonist gave it an unexpectedly edgy appeal. With over 36,000 U.S. births, it has deep roots. The lab-coat intelligence of its Latin meaning suits the name perfectly.

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Popularity Over Time

Dexter has 141+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1880.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Dexter
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	2,181	#640	▼
2010s	7,152	#422	▲
2000s	2,576	#786	▼
1990s	3,862	#540	—
1980s	4,290	#441	▲
1970s	3,869	#423	▼
1960s	4,902	#354	▲
1950s	3,484	#397	▲
1940s	1,456	#522	▲
1930s	820	#669	—
1920s	856	#709	▲
1910s	511	#770	▲
1900s	87	#800	▲
1890s	65	#889	▼
1880s	75	#722	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(141 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Dexter
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	364	#720	-15 (-4.0%)
2023	379	#701	-4 (-1.0%)
2022	383	#692	-170 (-30.7%)
2021	553	#531	+51 (10.2%)
2020	502	#558	-136 (-21.3%)
2019	638	#465	+26 (4.2%)
2018	612	#476	-74 (-10.8%)
2017	686	#447	-15 (-2.1%)
2016	701	#441	-54 (-7.2%)
2015	755	#412	-33 (-4.2%)
2014	788	#396	+4 (0.5%)
2013	784	#382	-58 (-6.9%)
2012	842	#361	+89 (11.8%)
2011	753	#384	+160 (27.0%)
2010	593	#451	+107 (22.0%)
2009	486	#542	+157 (47.7%)
2008	329	#710	+72 (28.0%)
2007	257	#832	+48 (23.0%)
2006	209	#917	-2 (-0.9%)
2005	211	#870	-15 (-6.6%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Dexter as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Dexter has also been given to 218 girls in the U.S. since 1905.

Unranked

Current rank

218

Total births

1923

Peak year

Compare Dexter as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Dexter be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Dexter is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #720. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Dexter has two lives

Dexter, the baby name

#720boys

36,186 babies

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology