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

Dusty is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 4,460 recorded births.

When was Dusty most popular?

Dusty reached its peak popularity in 1981 with 601 births that year. It is currently ranked #4088 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Dusty?

Dusty is currently ranked #4088 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 10,628 babies since 1927.

Dusty

An uncommon Old Norse pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld NorseDeclining Also a pet name

#4088▼ 602in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A diminutive of the male given name Dustin.

Dusty is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old Norse origin, a diminutive of Dustin, which derives from the Scandinavian surname meaning 'Thor's stone' — from Þórr (Thor) and steinn (stone). As a standalone name, Dusty carries the relaxed, sun-bleached charm of the American West.

Dusty is forever associated with country music legend Dusty Springfield (born Mary O'Brien) — her smoky voice and beehive hairdo made the name iconic. For boys, it carries an easy, laid-back Western quality. A name as comfortable as worn-in boots.

Compare Dusty with another name

Popularity Over Time

Dusty was #1470 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #4088, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Dusty
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	173	#3409	▼
2010s	426	#2891	▼
2000s	924	#1547	▼
1990s	1,884	#808	▼
1980s	3,993	#444	▲
1970s	1,626	#653	▲
1960s	749	#877	▲
1950s	707	#906	▲
1940s	130	#2350	▲
1930s	5	#3807	▼
1920s	11	#4015	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(86 years, 1927–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Dusty
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	26	#4088	-7 (-21.2%)
2023	33	#3486	-12 (-26.7%)
2022	45	#2836	+14 (45.2%)
2021	31	#3599	-7 (-18.4%)
2020	38	#3034	+1 (2.7%)
2019	37	#3155	+7 (23.3%)
2018	30	#3629	-4 (-11.8%)
2017	34	#3332	-4 (-10.5%)
2016	38	#3074	-10 (-20.8%)
2015	48	#2575	+6 (14.3%)
2014	42	#2821	-12 (-22.2%)
2013	54	#2343	+5 (10.2%)
2012	49	#2528	+15 (44.1%)
2011	34	#3259	-26 (-43.3%)
2010	60	#2191	-17 (-22.1%)
2009	77	#1876	+9 (13.2%)
2008	68	#2044	-13 (-16.0%)
2007	81	#1800	-3 (-3.6%)
2006	84	#1689	-22 (-20.8%)
2005	106	#1404	+13 (14.0%)

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

Dusty as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Dusty has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 4,460 births since 1944.

#6680

Current rank

4,460

Total births

1980

Peak year

Compare Dusty as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Dusty be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Dusty is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #4088. As a girl's name, it ranks #6680.

Dusty has two lives

Dusty, the baby name

#4088boys

10,628 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1927–2024) · Methodology