Ross

An uncommon Scottish Gaelic pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsScottish GaelicDeclining Also a pet name
#1359 166in 2024

Meaning & Origin

An English and Scottish habitational surname from Scottish Gaelic derived from any of several places of that name, from Scottish Gaelic ros (“headland”).

Ross is a boy's and girl's baby name of Scottish Gaelic origin, from the Gaelic ros, meaning 'headland' or 'promontory.' It originated as a Scottish clan name tied to the Ross region in the Highlands before transitioning to a first name.

Ross has a clean, confident sound that is never flashy but always dependable. The character Ross Geller from Friends kept the name in the cultural conversation through the 1990s, adding a warmly nerdy appeal to its already sturdy profile.

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Popularity Over Time

Ross was #612 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1359, but its charm endures.

04719421k2k18801900192019401960198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Ross
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s689
2010s1,847
2000s3,561
1990s10,463
1980s15,713
1970s7,935
1960s9,781
1950s9,515
1940s6,153
1930s4,558
1920s5,240
1910s3,692
1900s803
1890s851
1880s951

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 18802024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Ross
YearBirthsRank
2024139#1359
2023116#1525
2022151#1280
2021147#1295
2020136#1323
2019133#1350
2018177#1108
2017162#1162
2016191#1040
2015160#1165
2014185#1064
2013194#1011
2012212#955
2011214#934
2010219#923
2009227#910
2008258#844
2007262#819
2006283#748
2005313#672

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

Ross as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Ross has also been given to 422 girls in the U.S. since 1891.

Unranked
Current rank
422
Total births
1986
Peak year
Compare Ross as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Ross be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Ross is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1359. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Ross has two lives

Ross, the baby name
#1359boys
81,752 babies
Currently viewing
Ross, the pet name
#2124pet name
46 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (18802024) · Methodology