Is Ted a boy's or girl's name?

Ted is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 264 recorded births.

When was Ted most popular?

Ted reached its peak popularity in 1958 with 1,743 births that year. It is currently ranked #2932 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Ted?

Ted is currently ranked #2932 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 75,122 babies since 1880.

Ted

An uncommon pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsRising fast Also a pet name

#2932▲ 5in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A nickname for the male given names Edward, Theodore, Thaddeus, and Edmund.

Ted is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, a medieval diminutive of Edward or Theodore. Edward derives from Ead (wealth, fortune) and weard (guard), meaning 'wealthy guardian,' while Theodore comes from the Greek, meaning 'gift of God.'

Ted carries a cheerful, no-fuss confidence — shorter and punchier than either parent name. From Ted Kennedy to Ted Lasso, the name has spanned statesmanship and lovable optimism, making it one of the most good-natured short names in the English language.

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Popularity Over Time

Ted was #1759 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2932, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Ted
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	200	#3069	▼
2010s	610	#2251	▼
2000s	764	#1800	▼
1990s	1,586	#902	▼
1980s	3,012	#507	▼
1970s	5,451	#342	▼
1960s	13,539	#201	—
1950s	14,719	#183	▲
1940s	13,027	#159	▲
1930s	10,526	#148	▲
1920s	6,842	#203	▲
1910s	3,514	#230	▲
1900s	942	#197	▲
1890s	247	#406	▲
1880s	143	#541	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Ted
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	43	#2932	0
2023	43	#2937	+2 (4.9%)
2022	41	#3047	+3 (7.9%)
2021	38	#3168	+3 (8.6%)
2020	35	#3260	-20 (-36.4%)
2019	55	#2460	+6 (12.2%)
2018	49	#2613	-7 (-12.5%)
2017	56	#2339	0
2016	56	#2363	+8 (16.7%)
2015	48	#2598	-11 (-18.6%)
2014	59	#2272	-14 (-19.2%)
2013	73	#1930	+6 (9.0%)
2012	67	#2064	+1 (1.5%)
2011	66	#2052	-15 (-18.5%)
2010	81	#1814	+28 (52.8%)
2009	53	#2445	-22 (-29.3%)
2008	75	#1930	+14 (23.0%)
2007	61	#2208	+2 (3.4%)
2006	59	#2204	-16 (-21.3%)
2005	75	#1769	+3 (4.2%)

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

Ted as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Ted has also been given to 264 girls in the U.S. since 1905.

Unranked

Current rank

264

Total births

1926

Peak year

Compare Ted as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Ted be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Ted is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #2932. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Ted has two lives

Ted, the baby name

#2932boys

75,122 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology

Ted