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

Essex is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 8 recorded births.

When was Essex most popular?

Essex reached its peak popularity in 2024 with 17 births that year. It is currently ranked #5495 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Essex?

Essex is currently ranked #5495 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 414 babies since 1882.

Essex

An uncommon pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsRising fast Also a pet name

#5495▲ 240in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A maritime county of England bordered by the North Sea, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Greater London, and separated from Kent by the Thames estuary.

Essex is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from the county name meaning 'East Saxons' — the territory of the East Saxon tribe. Essex is one of England's most historic counties, home to Colchester (the first Roman town in Britain) and layers of Anglo-Saxon history.

As British place names gain traction in American naming, Essex carries a distinctly English, slightly aristocratic quality alongside its historical depth.

Compare Essex with another name

Popularity Over Time

Essex climbed 6416 spots in the last 20 years — from #11911 to #5495.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Essex
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	56	#6354	▲
2010s	28	#11804	▲
2000s	22	#11676	▲
1980s	8	#5009	▼
1970s	34	#4662	▲
1960s	13	#3664	▼
1950s	40	#3404	▼
1940s	49	#3370	▲
1930s	35	#3164	▼
1920s	57	#3670	▲
1910s	34	#3421	▲
1900s	5	#1188	▼
1890s	18	#992	▲
1880s	15	#983	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(60 years, 1882–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Essex
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	17	#5495	+1 (6.3%)
2023	16	#5735	+4 (33.3%)
2022	12	#6941	+1 (9.1%)
2021	11	#7245	+5 (83.3%)
2017	6	#11181	0
2016	6	#11146	0
2015	6	#11101	+1 (20.0%)
2013	5	#12712	0
2011	5	#12880	0
2009	5	#13058	0
2008	5	#13146	0
2004	5	#11911	-2 (-28.6%)
2001	7	#8587	-1 (-12.5%)
1986	8	#5009	+2 (33.3%)
1979	6	#5572	-1 (-14.3%)
1976	7	#4570	-2 (-22.2%)
1975	9	#3736	+3 (50.0%)
1974	6	#4826	0
1972	6	#4607	+1 (20.0%)
1967	5	#4146	-3 (-37.5%)

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

Essex as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Essex has also been given to 8 girls in the U.S. since 2023.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2023

Peak year

Compare Essex as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Essex be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Essex is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #5495. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Essex has two lives

Essex, the baby name

#5495boys

414 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1882–2024) · Methodology