Law
A boy's name of Old English origin with 185 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname originating as a patronymic.
Law is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, a short form of Lawrence or Lawson, from the Latin Laurentius meaning 'from Laurentum.' As a standalone name, Law has the clipped, confident energy of modern minimalist naming.
Law carries the authority its literal meaning implies — one syllable, no negotiation. Actor Jude Law made this surname-style name feel effortlessly cool for a new generation.
EtymologyShow more
Law appeared in SSA records in 2006, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly draw from global cultures, invent new names, and blend sounds to create something entirely original. Its Old English roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 185 recorded births, Law has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Law has 19+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2006.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 69 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 91 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 25 | — |
The Story of Law
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2022, Law is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Law are most likely born between 2012 and 2024.
How rare is Law?
Only about 1 in every 257,143 babies born in 2024 was named Law — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2006, peaked in the 2010s with 91 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Law by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(19 years, 2006–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | #6320 |
| 2023 | 14 | #6374 |
| 2022 | 16 | #5766 |
| 2021 | 12 | #6934 |
| 2020 | 13 | #6491 |
| 2019 | 15 | #5987 |
| 2018 | 13 | #6551 |
| 2017 | 9 | #8546 |
| 2016 | 11 | #7414 |
| 2015 | 6 | #11533 |
| 2014 | 6 | #11562 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10290 |
| 2012 | 7 | #10347 |
| 2011 | 6 | #11691 |
| 2010 | 11 | #7382 |
| 2009 | 8 | #9524 |
| 2008 | 6 | #11963 |
| 2007 | 6 | #11778 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13202 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Law a boy's or girl's name?
When was Law most popular?
How popular is the name Law?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2006–2024