Taft
A boy's name of Old English origin with 1,534 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Taft is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, an English surname derived from the Old English toft, meaning 'homestead' or 'hillock' — a small raised piece of ground on which a house was built. It became a distinguished American family name associated with William Howard Taft, the 27th U.S. President and the only person to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
With 1,534 recorded U.S. births, Taft carries genuine presidential gravitas. Parents choosing it often appreciate its concise, dignified sound and its place in American political history.
EtymologyShow more
Taft first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1907. Its appearance in the 1900s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Old English classification suggests a path from old english linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Taft has 113+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1907.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 59 | #7931 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 161 | #5959 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 93 | #7957 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 75 | #7164 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 89 | #5060 | — |
| 1970s | 97 | #3890 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 126 | #2517 | — |
| 1950s | 131 | #2390 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 152 | #2001 | — |
| 1930s | 155 | #1981 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 74 | #3432 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 192 | #1818 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 130 | #418 | — |
The Story of Taft
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1908, Taft is a name steeped in history. Boys named Taft are most likely born between 1907 and 1918.
How rare is Taft?
Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Taft — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1907, peaked in the 1910s with 192 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Taft by the numbers
- Would fill 32 school buses
- Meeting one Taft per day would take 4.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(113 years, 1907–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | #9727 |
| 2023 | 10 | #8183 |
| 2022 | 7 | #10714 |
| 2021 | 19 | #5085 |
| 2020 | 15 | #5944 |
| 2019 | 12 | #7119 |
| 2018 | 20 | #4897 |
| 2017 | 14 | #6296 |
| 2016 | 22 | #4599 |
| 2015 | 21 | #4681 |
| 2014 | 15 | #5962 |
| 2013 | 17 | #5365 |
| 2012 | 12 | #6983 |
| 2011 | 9 | #8673 |
| 2010 | 19 | #5015 |
| 2009 | 18 | #5285 |
| 2008 | 9 | #8912 |
| 2007 | 8 | #9666 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13761 |
| 2005 | 12 | #6578 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taft a boy's or girl's name?
When was Taft most popular?
How popular is the name Taft?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1907–2024