Suede
Primarily a boy's name of French origin with 281 recorded births. Also given to 84 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A type of soft leather, made from calfskin, with a brushed texture to resemble fabric, often used to make boots, clothing and fashion accessories.
Suede is a boy's and girl's baby name of French origin, from the French gants de Suède (gloves of Sweden), the material originating from imported Swedish leather. As a name, it carries an artistic, unconventional edge — simultaneously a texture, a fashion reference, and the name of the influential 1990s British rock band.
Suede is a bold, creative choice for parents who want something completely unexpected — soft in sound, cool in association, and impossible to forget.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Suede belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At one syllable, it has a punchy, memorable cadence that makes an immediate impression.
Within the French naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring French names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Suede’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Suede has 16+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1992.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 184 | #4247 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 29 | #10897 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 68 | #7006 | — |
The Story of Suede
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Suede is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Suede are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Suede?
Only about 1 in every 45,000 babies born in 2024 was named Suede — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1992, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2020s with 184 births that decade.
Suede by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(16 years, 1992–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 80 | #1963 |
| 2023 | 47 | #2765 |
| 2022 | 26 | #4170 |
| 2021 | 20 | #4905 |
| 2020 | 11 | #7432 |
| 2019 | 8 | #9627 |
| 2018 | 10 | #8079 |
| 2017 | 5 | #13987 |
| 2015 | 6 | #11896 |
| 1999 | 5 | #11385 |
| 1998 | 5 | #11091 |
| 1997 | 13 | #4920 |
| 1995 | 10 | #5863 |
| 1994 | 14 | #4503 |
| 1993 | 13 | #4660 |
| 1992 | 8 | #6617 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Suede as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Suede has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 84 births since 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suede a boy's or girl's name?
When was Suede most popular?
How popular is the name Suede?
Can Suede be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1992–2024