Algernon: Name Popularity, History & Rankings (1880

Rank 2025

–

among boys

Babies in 2025

named Algernon

How common

–

boys born in 2025

Peak year

1972

29 babies

All-time total

985

#5,185 all-time among boys

First recorded

1886

in Social Security records

Algernon popularity over time

985 babies have been named Algernon since 1886, according to official Social Security records. Switch measure to see births per year or the yearly rank.

Measure

Births per 1,000 babies of that sex, comparable across eras

By decade. Change compares yearly averages, so the current partial decade is on equal footing. Best rank is the name's best yearly rank within the decade.

Decade	Boys	Per year	Change	Best rank
1880s	5	1	–	#965
1890s	–	–	–	–
1900s	–	–	–	–
1910s	75	8	–	#1,750
1920s	82	8	+9%	#2,332
1930s	56	6	-32%	#2,635
1940s	46	5	-18%	#2,341
1950s	100	10	+117%	#2,035
1960s	102	10	+2%	#1,895
1970s	199	20	+95%	#1,603
1980s	156	16	-22%	#2,367
1990s	100	10	-36%	#3,170
2000s	37	4	-63%	#8,201
2010s	27	3	-27%	#8,172
2020s (to 2025)	–	–	–	–

The story of Algernon

Algernon is not currently in use for newborns in the United States: fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.

Since 1886, 985 American babies have been named Algernon. Its peak came in 1972, when 29 newborns received the name, the signature sound of the 1970s.

The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Algernon stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.

How old are people named Algernon?

The median living Algernon is about 48 years old; half are between 36 and 57. An estimated 700 people named Algernon are alive in the United States today.

Estimated from births per year and Social Security period life tables; an approximation of the living age distribution, by age in years.

Algernon year by year

Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.

Year	Boys	Boys rank
2025	–	–
2024	–	–
2023	–	–
2022	–	–
2021	–	–
2020	–	–
2019	–	–
2018	–	–
2017	–	–
2016	5	#12,278
2015	5	#12,165
2014	8	#8,815
2013	–	–
2012	–	–
2011	–	–
2010	9	#8,172
2009	5	#12,564
2008	–	–
2007	9	#8,201
2006	6	#10,728
2005	–	–
2004	–	–
2003	–	–
2002	5	#10,731
2001	7	#8,370
2000	5	#10,415
1995	8	#6,432
1990	19	#3,170
1985	12	#3,607
1980	21	#2,367
1975	26	#1,835
1970	15	#2,400
1965	11	#2,479
1960	11	#2,536
1955	10	#2,562
1950	7	#3,026
1945	–	–
1940	5	#3,469
1935	–	–
1930	8	#3,029
1925	8	#3,159
1920	8	#3,217
1915	9	#2,625
1910	–	–
1905	–	–
1900	–	–
1895	–	–
1890	–	–
1885	–	–
1880	–	–

Famous people named Algernon

The most globally famous bearers of the name, ranked by fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).

1 Algernon Blackwood English journalist and author (1869–1951) 19th century
2 Algernon Charles Swinburne English poet, playwright and novelist (1837–1909) 19th century

Portraits from Wikipedia (Wikimedia Commons).

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Algernon, drawn from the same Social Security data as the charts above.

How old is the average Algernon?

The median living Algernon is about 48 years old. Half of all living Algernons are between 36 and 57 years old.

How many people named Algernon are alive today?

An estimated 700 people named Algernon are alive in the United States, based on 985 recorded births and Social Security life tables.

What does the name Algernon mean?

Algernon is a masculine given name which derives from the Norman-French sobriquet Aux Gernons, meaning "with moustaches".

How popular is the name Algernon in 2025?

Algernon did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.

How many people are named Algernon?

985 babies have been named Algernon in the United States since 1886, based on Social Security card applications.

When was the name Algernon most popular?

Algernon peaked in 1972, when 29 newborns received the name.

Is Algernon a boy or girl name?

Algernon is overwhelmingly a boy's name: 100% of babies with the name.

Is the name Algernon rising or falling?

Algernon is declining, less popular now than a decade ago.

Who are famous people named Algernon?

Well-known people named Algernon include Algernon Blackwood (occultist), Algernon Charles Swinburne (writer).

Names like Algernon

Names that sound and feel close to Algernon: shared sounds, similar era, similar popularity. Each links to its full history.

Compare Algernon with similar names → More names starting with A →