North

Primarily a boy's name of Old English origin with 327 recorded births. Also given to 64 girls.

Boy's nameAlso girl's#10581 in 2024Rising fast

Meaning & Origin

Any of various particular regions named for the cardinal direction in which they lie.

North is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from the directional word meaning 'the northern direction,' rooted in Old English norþ. Cardinal direction names are among the oldest place-name elements, evoking navigation, orientation, and the vast, clear expanses of northern landscapes.

North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, propelled this name into cultural conversation in 2013. As directional names gain traction alongside nature names, North stands out for its clean, elemental power.

EtymologyShow more

North is cataloged under the Old English naming tradition. Names from the Old English tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.

In the U.S., North has been recorded as a boy's name since 1885, with 327 total births. Browse the Old English names hub on this site to explore the broader family.

At a Glance

327

Total births

Since 1885

2013

Peak

21 births

1885

First recorded

140 years of data

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Popularity Over Time

North was #9660 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #10581, but its charm endures.

First appeared: 1885Peak: 2013 (21 births)Current: #10581

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for North
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	45	#9200	▼
2010s	141	#6690	▲
2000s	75	#8268	▲
1990s	33	#7592	▲
1930s	7	#3498	▼
1920s	15	#4730	▲
1910s	5	#4618	▼
1880s	6	#906	—

The Story of North

A Gen Alpha name

Peaking in 2013, North is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named North are most likely born between 2003 and 2023.

How rare is North?

Only about 1 in every 514,286 babies born in 2024 was named North — a truly uncommon choice.

The journey through the decades

First appeared in the records in 1885, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 141 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.

North by the numbers

Would fill 7 school buses

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(33 years, 1885–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name North
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	7	#10581	-6 (-46.2%)
2023	13	#6789	+2 (18.2%)
2022	11	#7597	+3 (37.5%)
2021	8	#9442	+2 (33.3%)
2020	6	#11590	-1 (-14.3%)
2019	7	#10495	-2 (-22.2%)
2018	9	#8630	-8 (-47.1%)
2017	17	#5450	+5 (41.7%)
2016	12	#7022	+2 (20.0%)
2015	10	#7884	-3 (-23.1%)
2014	13	#6529	-8 (-38.1%)
2013	21	#4568	+8 (61.5%)
2012	13	#6558	-7 (-35.0%)
2011	20	#4779	+1 (5.3%)
2010	19	#4980	+8 (72.7%)
2009	11	#7563	-1 (-8.3%)
2008	12	#7075	+2 (20.0%)
2007	10	#8005	-1 (-9.1%)
2006	11	#7288	+4 (57.1%)
2004	7	#9660	-1 (-12.5%)

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

North as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, North has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 64 births since 2015.

#11836

Current rank

Total births

2019

Peak year

Compare North as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked Questions

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

North is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 64 recorded births.

When was North most popular?

North reached its peak popularity in 2013 with 21 births that year. It is currently ranked #10581 in the U.S.

How popular is the name North?

North is currently ranked #10581 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 327 babies since 1885.

Can North be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, North is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #10581. As a girl's name, it ranks #11836.

Explore More

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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1885–2024