Is Riggins a boy's or girl's name?

Riggins is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 5 recorded births.

When was Riggins most popular?

Riggins reached its peak popularity in 2023 with 128 births that year. It is currently ranked #1678 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Riggins?

Riggins is currently ranked #1678 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 893 babies since 2007.

Riggins

An uncommon Old English pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld EnglishRising fast Also a pet name

#1678▼ 254in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname.

Riggins is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, an English surname derived from the given name Richard, meaning 'powerful ruler,' with the -ins suffix indicating 'son of.' As a first name, it follows the American tradition of using rugged surnames as given names.

Riggins gained cultural traction through the beloved TV drama Friday Night Lights, where Tim Riggins is the rough-around-the-edges running back. About 890 U.S. births are recorded — a name for parents who love character, both on screen and in life.

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Popularity Over Time

Riggins has 18+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2007.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Riggins
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	469	#1780	▲
2010s	397	#3369	▲
2000s	27	#10659	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(18 years, 2007–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Riggins
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	100	#1678	-28 (-21.9%)
2023	128	#1424	+42 (48.8%)
2022	86	#1859	-4 (-4.4%)
2021	90	#1779	+25 (38.5%)
2020	65	#2160	-3 (-4.4%)
2019	68	#2125	+12 (21.4%)
2018	56	#2378	-1 (-1.8%)
2017	57	#2308	+5 (9.6%)
2016	52	#2469	+8 (18.2%)
2015	44	#2755	+13 (41.9%)
2014	31	#3516	+2 (6.9%)
2013	29	#3641	+9 (45.0%)
2012	20	#4819	-2 (-9.1%)
2011	22	#4474	+4 (22.2%)
2010	18	#5201	+2 (12.5%)
2009	16	#5755	+11 (220.0%)
2008	5	#14168	-1 (-16.7%)
2007	6	#12054	—

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Riggins as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Riggins has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 2015.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2015

Peak year

Compare Riggins as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Riggins be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Riggins is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1678. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Riggins has two lives

Riggins, the baby name

#1678boys

893 babies

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Riggins, the pet name

#1783pet name

57 pets

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (2007–2024) · Methodology