Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Gordon originates from a Scottish place name, meaning 'spacious fortress'. It has evolved from Gordun to its current form, representing strength and stability. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name. Gordon gained popularity in the 19th century, influenced by notable figures. Today, it is perceived as a strong name, with variants including Gordy and Gord. Notable people with this name include chef Gordon Ramsay and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɡɔrdən/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Gordon is derived from a place name in Scotland, which itself comes from the Old Welsh word 'gor', meaning 'spacious' or 'great', combined with 'dun', meaning 'fort' or 'hill'.
Meaning
spacious fortress
Language Evolution
Gordun, Gordon
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and England, partly due to the prominence of the Gordon family and various historical figures.
Variants & Derivatives
Gordy, Gord, Gordana
Modern Popularity & Image
Gordon is viewed as a strong, traditional name and is often associated with leadership and resilience.
Famous People
Gordon Ramsay, Gordon Brown, Gordon Lightfoot
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,835 peak births in 1952
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 85th of 7545 | 35,679 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 80th of 6773 | 44,880 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 137th of 7552 | 45,658 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 260th of 10718 | 13,168 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 443rd of 16616 | 7,200 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 811th of 24088 | 3,691 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 921st of 23106 | 2,846 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2414th of 9107 | 239 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2443rd of 9204 | 232 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5018th of 12526 | 115 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8845th of 19264 | 61 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 19733rd of 27321 | 18 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
4.45% 63rd/1416 |
5.95% 82nd/1379 |
5.62% 133rd/2366 |
4.29% 49th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
3.95% 61st/1546 |
4.82% 75th/1556 |
6.20% 146th/2353 |
3.88% 60th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
5.25% 117th/2227 |
4.36% 106th/2430 |
6.10% 174th/2853 |
3.96% 110th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
8.10% 238th/2937 |
6.29% 219th/3483 |
8.39% 295th/3518 |
6.26% 253rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
11.37% 419th/3685 |
8.04% 360th/4475 |
9.09% 472nd/5194 |
7.16% 452nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
18.44% 845th/4582 |
13.32% 688th/5164 |
13.14% 961st/7313 |
10.12% 755th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
18.78% 748th/3984 |
19.90% 893rd/4487 |
18.41% 1256th/6822 |
13.50% 847th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 1142nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
94.18% 1456th/1546 |
100.00% 1556th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in North Dakota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 85th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 80th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 137th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 260th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 443rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 811th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 921st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2414th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2443rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5018th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8845th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 19733rd out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.