Rambo
A boy's name of Swedish origin with 143 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Rambo is a boy's baby name of Swedish origin, a surname derived from the Swedish place name Ramberget — composed of ram (raven) and berg (mountain). Internationally, the name is defined by John Rambo, the fictional Vietnam War veteran created by novelist David Morrell and portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in the blockbuster film series.
As a given name, Rambo projects fierce, warrior-like strength — a name for parents who want something that announces itself boldly.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Rambo is rooted in the Swedish tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1984 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Rambo’s rarity (143 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Rambo has 19+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1984.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 34 | #11295 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 45 | #11804 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 6 | #7883 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 58 | #5371 | — |
The Story of Rambo
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1985, Rambo is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Rambo are most likely born between 1984 and 1995.
How rare is Rambo?
Only about 1 in every 514,286 babies born in 2024 was named Rambo — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1984, peaked in the 1980s with 58 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Rambo by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(19 years, 1984–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | #10631 |
| 2023 | 5 | #13686 |
| 2022 | 7 | #10601 |
| 2021 | 5 | #13624 |
| 2020 | 10 | #7931 |
| 2019 | 5 | #13670 |
| 2018 | 8 | #9470 |
| 2017 | 7 | #10523 |
| 2016 | 10 | #8024 |
| 2014 | 5 | #13583 |
| 2013 | 5 | #13609 |
| 2012 | 5 | #13752 |
| 1990 | 6 | #7883 |
| 1989 | 6 | #7684 |
| 1988 | 9 | #5124 |
| 1987 | 7 | #5950 |
| 1986 | 13 | #3606 |
| 1985 | 18 | #2798 |
| 1984 | 5 | #7065 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rambo a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rambo most popular?
How popular is the name Rambo?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1984–2024