Pembroke
A boy's name of Welsh origin with 5 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Pembroke hit its peak of 5 births in 1887, American naming still drew heavily from family heritage, religious tradition, and the cultural norms of the time.
Today, Pembroke reads as a vintage revival candidate — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Pembroke is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Pembroke is a boy's baby name of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh place name Pembroke meaning 'headland' or 'land's end,' from pen (head) and bro (land). It carries the distinguished weight of a Welsh aristocratic surname and Welsh castle heritage.
EtymologyShow more
Pembroke is built from 8 letters and two syllables — a longer structure that creates presence and allows for natural nickname formation. Within the Welsh naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Pembroke creates its characteristic crisp, punchy quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Pembroke has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1887.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 | — |
The Story of Pembroke
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1887, Pembroke is a name steeped in history. Boys named Pembroke are most likely born between 1887 and 1887.
How rare is Pembroke?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Pembroke is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1887, peaked in the 1880s with 5 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 1887–1887)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1887 | 5 | #1031 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pembroke a boy's or girl's name?
When was Pembroke most popular?
How popular is the name Pembroke?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1887–1887