An uncommon Old Norse pick — distinctive and rare.
a male given name from Old Norse
Rune is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old Norse origin, from rún, meaning 'secret, mystery' or 'a letter in the runic alphabet.' In Norse and Germanic cultures, runes were sacred symbols believed to hold magical and divinatory power.
Common across Scandinavia, Rune is a name with ancient roots and a distinctly cool, minimalist edge — perfect for parents who love short names with deep historical meaning.
Rune climbed 2314 spots in the last 20 years — from #4239 to #1925.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 278 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 216 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 129 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 82 | #1925 |
| 2023 | 62 | #2288 |
| 2022 | 65 | #2234 |
| 2021 | 35 | #3347 |
| 2020 | 34 | #3330 |
| 2019 | 29 | #3782 |
| 2018 | 37 | #3158 |
| 2017 | 25 | #4208 |
| 2016 | 19 | #5098 |
| 2015 | 22 | #4518 |
| 2014 | 20 | #4828 |
| 2013 | 17 | #5351 |
| 2012 | 18 | #5206 |
| 2011 | 12 | #6923 |
| 2010 | 17 | #5426 |
| 2009 | 16 | #5757 |
| 2008 | 10 | #8181 |
| 2007 | 7 | #10671 |
| 2006 | 17 | #5264 |
| 2005 | 15 | #5525 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Though more common for boys, Rune has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 118 births since 2011.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (2001–2024) · Methodology