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

Gordon is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 670 recorded births.

When was Gordon most popular?

Gordon reached its peak popularity in 1952 with 2,829 births that year. It is currently ranked #1089 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Gordon?

Gordon is currently ranked #1089 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 154,697 babies since 1880.

Gordon

An uncommon Scottish Gaelic pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsScottish GaelicDeclining Also a pet name

#1089▼ 96in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A Scottish habitational surname from the Celtic languages for someone from Gordon, Berwickshire.

Gordon is a boy's and girl's baby name of Scottish Gaelic origin, a habitational surname from the Celtic word meaning 'spacious fort' or 'great hill' — from Gordon in Berwickshire, Scotland. It transitioned to a given name in the 20th century.

Gordon Ramsay, the fiery celebrity chef, and Sting (born Gordon Sumner) show the name's range from no-nonsense professionalism to rock-and-roll cool. Gordon the tank engine gave a whole generation of children an affectionate association. It has a sturdy, reliable quality that ages well.

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Popularity Over Time

Gordon was #753 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1089, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Gordon
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,122	#989	▼
2010s	2,282	#934	—
2000s	2,304	#830	▼
1990s	3,531	#552	▼
1980s	5,029	#373	▼
1970s	6,586	#299	▼
1960s	15,832	#183	▼
1950s	25,740	#127	▲
1940s	24,468	#103	—
1930s	25,460	#76	—
1920s	25,622	#77	▲
1910s	13,641	#93	▲
1900s	1,642	#134	▲
1890s	939	#166	▲
1880s	499	#241	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Gordon
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	199	#1089	-23 (-10.4%)
2023	222	#993	-11 (-4.7%)
2022	233	#970	-10 (-4.1%)
2021	243	#929	+18 (8.0%)
2020	225	#964	-42 (-15.7%)
2019	267	#841	-4 (-1.5%)
2018	271	#825	-3 (-1.1%)
2017	274	#822	+54 (24.5%)
2016	220	#948	-59 (-21.1%)
2015	279	#812	+55 (24.6%)
2014	224	#941	+35 (18.5%)
2013	189	#1029	-6 (-3.1%)
2012	195	#1014	+12 (6.6%)
2011	183	#1037	+3 (1.7%)
2010	180	#1075	-3 (-1.6%)
2009	183	#1043	-29 (-13.7%)
2008	212	#950	+16 (8.2%)
2007	196	#995	-19 (-8.8%)
2006	215	#905	+7 (3.4%)
2005	208	#877	-38 (-15.4%)

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

Gordon as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Gordon has also been given to 670 girls in the U.S. since 1893.

Unranked

Current rank

670

Total births

1929

Peak year

Compare Gordon as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Gordon be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Gordon is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1089. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Gordon has two lives

Gordon, the baby name

#1089boys

154,697 babies

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