Pagan
A girl's name of Latin origin with 50 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Latin.
Pagan is a boy's or girl's baby name of Latin origin, from the Latin paganus, originally meaning 'country dweller' or 'villager' — later used by early Christians to describe those outside the faith. As a given name, it was used in medieval England as a surname transferred to first-name use.
Pagan carries the appeal of rare medieval names that have mostly fallen out of use — it occupies the same space as names like Osric or Brictiva, genuine historical names that sound distinctive to modern ears. It appears in old English records and has been periodically revived by parents seeking something truly uncommon with an authentic historical pedigree.
EtymologyShow more
Pagan first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1984. First appearing in the 1980s, Pagan emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Latin classification suggests a path from latin linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Pagan has 8+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1984.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #17151 | — |
| 2010s | 5 | #18460 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 12 | #16278 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 28 | #10211 | — |
The Story of Pagan
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1984, Pagan is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Pagan are most likely born between 1984 and 1994.
How rare is Pagan?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Pagan is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1984, peaked in the 1980s with 28 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Pagan by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(8 years, 1984–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #17151 |
| 2015 | 5 | #18460 |
| 2006 | 6 | #16613 |
| 2005 | 6 | #15943 |
| 1989 | 5 | #13875 |
| 1988 | 6 | #11343 |
| 1985 | 7 | #8994 |
| 1984 | 10 | #6630 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pagan a boy's or girl's name?
When was Pagan most popular?
How popular is the name Pagan?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1984–2022