Boy · 85th of 7,545
Gordon
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
155,367
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1952
Peak Popularity Year
2,835
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Gordon stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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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
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |