Boy · 95th of 24,088
Tristan
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
129,641
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1996
Peak Popularity Year
5,844
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Tristan 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 Tristan has Latin origins, meaning 'sorrowful'. It evolved from Tristinus in Latin to Tristan in Old French and then to its current form in English. The name is often linked with themes of tragic romance and nobility, particularly through the legends of Tristan and Isolde. It has no direct biblical relevance and gained popularity in the medieval era. Variants include Tristram and Tristian, while modern perceptions associate it with romantic ideals.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈtrɪstən/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Tristan is derived from the Latin word 'tristis', meaning 'sad' or 'sorrowful'. It is often associated with the legend of Tristan and Isolde, which is a tale of tragic romance.
Meaning
sorrowful
Language Evolution
Tristinus (Latin), Tristan (Old French), Tristan (Middle English)
Historical Usage
Tristan gained popularity in the medieval period due to the romantic legends surrounding the character, particularly in the context of Arthurian literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Tristram, Tristian, Trist, Triton
Modern Popularity & Image
Tristan is perceived as a romantic and noble name, often associated with chivalry and tragic love. It enjoys moderate popularity in various cultures today.
Famous People
Tristan da Cunha (island name), Tristan Tzara (founder of Dada movement), Tristan Thompson (professional basketball player)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,844 peak births in 1996
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 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 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2547th of 7552 | 196 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 860th of 10718 | 1,429 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 228th of 16616 | 19,079 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 95th of 24088 | 69,577 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 144th of 23106 | 32,831 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 11010th of 12526 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2800th of 19264 | 416 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1052nd of 27321 | 2,593 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1216th of 35406 | 2,968 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3484th of 30306 | 542 |