Ein
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 227 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
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Ein is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, meaning "eye" or "spring of water," from the Hebrew ayin. It appears in many Hebrew place names (like Ein Gedi) as a poetic reference to a natural spring — a source of life in the desert landscape.
Ein is also a character name in the beloved anime series Cowboy Bebop — the highly intelligent corgi who joined the Bebop crew — giving it an unexpected pop culture resonance. Minimalist and meaningful, Ein suits parents drawn to short names with deep roots.
EtymologyShow more
Ein appeared in SSA records in 1985, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its Hebrew roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 227 recorded births, Ein has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Ein has 25+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1985.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #12661 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 70 | #8892 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 112 | #6811 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 28 | #7769 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 12 | #6791 | — |
The Story of Ein
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2006, Ein is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Ein are most likely born between 1996 and 2016.
How rare is Ein?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Ein is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1985, peaked in the 2000s with 112 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Ein by the numbers
- Would fill 5 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(25 years, 1985–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | #12661 |
| 2017 | 5 | #12825 |
| 2016 | 12 | #6838 |
| 2015 | 10 | #7646 |
| 2014 | 7 | #9935 |
| 2013 | 8 | #9023 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9096 |
| 2011 | 8 | #8983 |
| 2010 | 12 | #6793 |
| 2009 | 12 | #6915 |
| 2008 | 14 | #6160 |
| 2007 | 12 | #6756 |
| 2006 | 16 | #5375 |
| 2005 | 12 | #6343 |
| 2004 | 12 | #6241 |
| 2003 | 8 | #8060 |
| 2002 | 9 | #7203 |
| 2001 | 10 | #6597 |
| 2000 | 7 | #8460 |
| 1999 | 6 | #9038 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ein a boy's or girl's name?
When was Ein most popular?
How popular is the name Ein?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1985–2021