Moe
Primarily a boy's name of Old English origin with 724 recorded births. Also given to 62 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A surname, possibly formed by abbreviation of Moses or another name beginning with "Mo-".
Moe is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, traditionally used as a short form of Moses or Maurice, conveying a sense of friendly informality. In America, Moe became a cultural touchstone through Moe Howard of the Three Stooges and Moe Szyslak of The Simpsons — both working-class, big-hearted characters.
What Moe lacks in syllables it makes up in personality. It's a name that feels lived-in and genuine, evoking warmth and a no-nonsense charm that longer names sometimes miss.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Moe is rooted in the Old English tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1888 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Moe’s 724 recorded births suggest it has found a niche — possibly within a specific cultural community, region, or naming subculture within the broader American landscape.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Moe has 57+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1888.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 37 | #8912 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 47 | #11090 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 5 | #13370 | — |
| 1990s | 5 | #9686 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 13 | #5242 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 6 | #3926 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 23 | #3869 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 7 | #3278 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 136 | #2554 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 327 | #977 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 70 | #1011 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 37 | #1034 | ▲ |
| 1880s | 11 | #1034 | — |
The Story of Moe
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1916, Moe is a name steeped in history. Boys named Moe are most likely born between 1906 and 1926.
How rare is Moe?
Only about 1 in every 514,286 babies born in 2024 was named Moe — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1888, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1910s with 327 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Moe by the numbers
- Would fill 15 school buses
- Meeting one Moe per day would take 2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(57 years, 1888–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | #10527 |
| 2023 | 13 | #6771 |
| 2022 | 10 | #8109 |
| 2020 | 7 | #10241 |
| 2019 | 9 | #8652 |
| 2017 | 6 | #11725 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13405 |
| 2014 | 7 | #10374 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10367 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9430 |
| 2011 | 5 | #13678 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13370 |
| 1993 | 5 | #9686 |
| 1978 | 6 | #5543 |
| 1977 | 7 | #4940 |
| 1961 | 6 | #3926 |
| 1959 | 6 | #3869 |
| 1958 | 5 | #4325 |
| 1953 | 6 | #3671 |
| 1952 | 6 | #3610 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Moe as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Moe has also been given to 62 girls in the U.S. since 1991.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moe a boy's or girl's name?
When was Moe most popular?
How popular is the name Moe?
Can Moe be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1888–2024