Vanderbilt
A boy's name of Dutch origin with 80 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Vanderbilt is a boy's baby name of Dutch origin, derived from the surname of one of America's most prominent dynastic families — originally Van der Bilt, meaning 'from the hill' or 'of the hilltop' in Dutch. Cornelius Vanderbilt built one of America's greatest 19th-century fortunes.
As a given name, Vanderbilt projects enormous social prestige — the Vanderbilt name is synonymous with Gilded Age wealth, philanthropy, and American ambition. It is an unusual choice that makes an unmistakable statement about aspiration and legacy.
EtymologyShow more
Vanderbilt is cataloged under the Dutch naming tradition. Names from the Dutch tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Vanderbilt has been recorded as a boy's name since 1890, with 80 total births. Browse the Dutch names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Vanderbilt has 15+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1890.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 10 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 6 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 10 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 27 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 17 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 5 | — |
| 1890s | 5 | — |
The Story of Vanderbilt
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1916, Vanderbilt is a name steeped in history. Boys named Vanderbilt are most likely born between 1906 and 1926.
How rare is Vanderbilt?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Vanderbilt is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1890, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 27 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Vanderbilt by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(15 years, 1890–1955)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | 5 | #4369 |
| 1950 | 5 | #4165 |
| 1945 | 6 | #3311 |
| 1937 | 5 | #3983 |
| 1930 | 5 | #4509 |
| 1928 | 6 | #4120 |
| 1926 | 6 | #4160 |
| 1924 | 5 | #4919 |
| 1923 | 5 | #4842 |
| 1922 | 5 | #4918 |
| 1919 | 6 | #4133 |
| 1918 | 5 | #4765 |
| 1916 | 6 | #3859 |
| 1907 | 5 | #1533 |
| 1890 | 5 | #1152 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vanderbilt a boy's or girl's name?
When was Vanderbilt most popular?
How popular is the name Vanderbilt?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1890–1955