Rayburn
A boy's name of Scottish origin with 2,612 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Scots.
Rayburn is a boy's baby name of Scottish origin, from a surname meaning 'roe deer stream' — combining the Old Norse rá (roe deer) with burn (stream). The name gained American usage partly through Sam Rayburn, the legendary Texas congressman and Speaker of the House.
EtymologyShow more
Rayburn is built from 7 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Scottish 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 Rayburn creates its characteristic sharp, distinct 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
Rayburn has 93+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1908.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #13705 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 17 | #12570 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 22 | #12105 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 33 | #9600 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 102 | #4697 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 167 | #2736 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 230 | #1706 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 295 | #1454 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 533 | #936 | — |
| 1930s | 560 | #913 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 421 | #1102 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 220 | #1244 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 7 | #1193 | — |
The Story of Rayburn
A Silent Generation name
Peaking in 1938, Rayburn is an elegant vintage name. Boys named Rayburn are most likely born between 1928 and 1948.
How rare is Rayburn?
With 2,612 total births on record, Rayburn remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1908, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1930s with 560 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Rayburn by the numbers
- Would fill 54 school buses
- Meeting one Rayburn per day would take 7.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(93 years, 1908–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | #13705 |
| 2017 | 7 | #10528 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13590 |
| 2014 | 5 | #13593 |
| 2007 | 6 | #12033 |
| 2006 | 6 | #11720 |
| 2005 | 5 | #12925 |
| 2000 | 5 | #11740 |
| 1999 | 6 | #9617 |
| 1998 | 7 | #8255 |
| 1997 | 5 | #10466 |
| 1994 | 5 | #9926 |
| 1993 | 5 | #9837 |
| 1992 | 5 | #9501 |
| 1989 | 11 | #4745 |
| 1988 | 13 | #3855 |
| 1987 | 5 | #7865 |
| 1986 | 12 | #3826 |
| 1985 | 10 | #4273 |
| 1984 | 11 | #3878 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rayburn a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rayburn most popular?
How popular is the name Rayburn?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1908–2023