Rhapsody
A girl's name of Greek origin with 117 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
Rhapsody is a girl's baby name of Greek origin, from the Greek rhapsoidia meaning 'stitching of songs' — originally referring to epic poetry recited in segments. In music, a rhapsody is a free-form, expressive composition full of emotion and spontaneity.
As a given name, Rhapsody is bold, artistic, and wonderfully unusual. Queen's legendary "Bohemian Rhapsody" cemented the word in popular consciousness, and parents who choose this name are clearly drawn to creativity, passion, and a love of music.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Rhapsody belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At three syllables, it has a three-beat flow that carries a sense of formality and completeness.
Within the Greek naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Greek names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Rhapsody’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Rhapsody has 20+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1977.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 18 | #15384 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 23 | #16461 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 30 | #16596 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 11 | #14289 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 15 | #12011 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 20 | #8873 | — |
The Story of Rhapsody
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1979, Rhapsody is a Gen X staple. Girls named Rhapsody are most likely born between 1977 and 1989.
How rare is Rhapsody?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Rhapsody is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1977, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 30 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Rhapsody by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(20 years, 1977–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | #17084 |
| 2021 | 5 | #17157 |
| 2020 | 8 | #11910 |
| 2018 | 5 | #17614 |
| 2017 | 6 | #15540 |
| 2016 | 7 | #14047 |
| 2014 | 5 | #18641 |
| 2009 | 5 | #19590 |
| 2008 | 6 | #17039 |
| 2006 | 6 | #16681 |
| 2003 | 8 | #12149 |
| 2002 | 5 | #17522 |
| 1997 | 6 | #13356 |
| 1993 | 5 | #15222 |
| 1986 | 5 | #12329 |
| 1985 | 5 | #12012 |
| 1980 | 5 | #11693 |
| 1979 | 8 | #7852 |
| 1978 | 6 | #9428 |
| 1977 | 6 | #9338 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhapsody a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rhapsody most popular?
How popular is the name Rhapsody?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1977–2023