Ensign

A boy's name of Old French origin with 5 recorded U.S. births.

Boy's nameRare nameNot ranked recently

Meaning & Origin

If you're considering Ensign, you're looking at a name that fewer than 5 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.

The sharp, distinct ending gives Ensign a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.

Ensign is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.

Ensign is a boy's baby name of Old French origin, from enseigne meaning 'sign' or 'standard-bearer.' As a naval rank name, it evokes duty, honor, and leadership.

EtymologyShow more

In the American context, Ensign is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (1963–1963). Its Old French roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.

With 5 total births, Ensign exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.

At a Glance

Unranked

Current Rank

Total births

Since 1963

1963

Peak year

5 births

Compare Ensign with another name

Popularity Over Time

Ensign has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1963.

First appeared: 1963Peak: 1963 (5 births)

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Ensign
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
1960s	5	#4236	—

The Story of Ensign

A Baby Boomer name

Peaking in 1963, Ensign is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Boys named Ensign are most likely born between 1963 and 1963.

How rare is Ensign?

With fewer than 500 recorded births, Ensign is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.

The journey through the decades

First appeared in the records in 1963, peaked in the 1960s with 5 births that decade.

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(1 years, 1963–1963)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Ensign
Year	Births	Rank	Change
1963	5	#4236	—

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Ensign is primarily a boy's name.

When was Ensign most popular?

Ensign reached its peak popularity in 1963 with 5 births that year. It is not currently in the top rankings.

How popular is the name Ensign?

Ensign is not currently in the top rankings but has been given to 5 babies in the U.S. since 1963. Its peak was in 1963.

Explore More

By Length6-letter names By OriginOld French names By EndingNames in -n TrendingRising names RankingsFull rankings

Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1963–1963