Tiger
Primarily a boy's name of English origin with 1,217 recorded births. Also given to 62 girls.
Meaning & Origin
The third of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.
Tiger is a boy's and girl's baby name of English origin, from the apex predator of the Asian jungle, meaning 'fierce, powerful, swift' — ultimately from the Greek tigris and Latin tigris. The tiger represents strength, courage, and natural power across Asian and Western cultures alike.
Tiger as a given name is forever associated with Tiger Woods, whose extraordinary golf career made the name synonymous with athletic genius and competitive dominance. As a word name, it is boldly aspirational — a name that says exactly what it means, without apology or qualification. With over 1,200 recorded births, it has a real following among parents who want a name with unmistakable power.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Tiger is rooted in the English tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1962 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Tiger’s 1,217 recorded births suggest it has found a niche — possibly within a specific cultural community, region, or naming subculture within the broader American landscape.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Tiger was #3625 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #4399, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 177 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 396 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 364 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 257 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 10 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 6 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 7 | — |
The Story of Tiger
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2010, Tiger is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Tiger are most likely born between 2000 and 2020.
How rare is Tiger?
Only about 1 in every 150,000 babies born in 2024 was named Tiger — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1962, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 396 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Tiger by the numbers
- Would fill 25 school buses
- Meeting one Tiger per day would take 3.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(38 years, 1962–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | #4399 |
| 2023 | 35 | #3405 |
| 2022 | 64 | #2265 |
| 2021 | 25 | #4222 |
| 2020 | 29 | #3721 |
| 2019 | 29 | #3788 |
| 2018 | 32 | #3514 |
| 2017 | 29 | #3760 |
| 2016 | 28 | #3876 |
| 2015 | 29 | #3764 |
| 2014 | 33 | #3361 |
| 2013 | 34 | #3257 |
| 2012 | 26 | #3992 |
| 2011 | 26 | #3974 |
| 2010 | 130 | #1322 |
| 2009 | 40 | #2981 |
| 2008 | 39 | #3052 |
| 2007 | 31 | #3504 |
| 2006 | 49 | #2510 |
| 2005 | 28 | #3518 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Tiger as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Tiger has also been given to 62 girls in the U.S. since 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tiger a boy's or girl's name?
When was Tiger most popular?
How popular is the name Tiger?
Can Tiger be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1962–2024