Rutledge
A boy's name of Old English origin with 315 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname of uncertain etymology.
Rutledge is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, a surname derived from a place name, possibly meaning 'red ledge' or relating to a settlement feature. Several U.S. historical figures bore this name, including founding father John Rutledge, a signer of the Constitution and early Supreme Court Chief Justice.
Rutledge carries the distinguished weight of American historical pedigree alongside the contemporary trend of using surnames as given names, offering parents a choice that feels both patriotic and distinctly upper-class.
EtymologyShow more
Though Rutledge dates back to 1913 in U.S. records, its etymological path is not always straightforward. Names that predate modern naming databases sometimes resist easy classification — they may have been oral traditions, regional family names, or adaptations that were never systematically recorded. The Old English classification provides a starting point, but the full derivation likely involves more nuance than a single label can capture.
With only 315 recorded births, Rutledge has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Rutledge has 31+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1913.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 58 | #7610 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 154 | #6056 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 5 | #7080 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 16 | #5722 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 6 | #3822 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 7 | #3194 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 17 | #3936 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 28 | #4438 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 24 | #3015 | — |
The Story of Rutledge
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2014, Rutledge is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Rutledge are most likely born between 2004 and 2024.
How rare is Rutledge?
Only about 1 in every 300,000 babies born in 2024 was named Rutledge — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1913, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 154 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Rutledge by the numbers
- Would fill 7 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(31 years, 1913–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | #7152 |
| 2023 | 16 | #5868 |
| 2022 | 12 | #7162 |
| 2021 | 11 | #7477 |
| 2020 | 7 | #10390 |
| 2019 | 15 | #6042 |
| 2018 | 11 | #7518 |
| 2017 | 18 | #5262 |
| 2016 | 19 | #5100 |
| 2015 | 18 | #5245 |
| 2014 | 24 | #4238 |
| 2013 | 23 | #4287 |
| 2012 | 20 | #4827 |
| 2011 | 6 | #11982 |
| 1981 | 5 | #7080 |
| 1977 | 5 | #6674 |
| 1974 | 5 | #5862 |
| 1970 | 6 | #4629 |
| 1955 | 6 | #3822 |
| 1943 | 7 | #3194 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rutledge a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rutledge most popular?
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Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1913–2024