Barney
Every Barney since 1880 — 16,181 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Barney
Barney is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #12,274 in 2025 with 5 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 16,181 American babies have been named Barney. Its peak came in 1919, when 304 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1910s.
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 Barney stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Barney year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 5 | #12,274 |
| 2024 | — | — | 7 | #10,031 |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | — | 5 | #12,247 |
| 2019 | — | — | 5 | #12,375 |
| 2018 | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | 7 | #9,788 |
| 2015 | — | — | 6 | #10,824 |
| 2014 | — | — | 5 | #12,303 |
| 2013 | — | — | 8 | #8,888 |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — |
| 2010 | — | — | 6 | #10,910 |
| 2009 | — | — | — | — |
| 2008 | — | — | — | — |
| 2007 | — | — | 6 | #11,074 |
| 2006 | — | — | 6 | #10,814 |
| 2005 | — | — | — | — |
| 2004 | — | — | 6 | #10,087 |
| 2003 | — | — | — | — |
| 2002 | — | — | 7 | #8,542 |
| 2001 | — | — | 5 | #10,739 |
| 2000 | — | — | — | — |
| 1995 | — | — | 12 | #4,820 |
| 1990 | — | — | 30 | #2,319 |
| 1985 | — | — | 41 | #1,570 |
| 1980 | — | — | 58 | #1,205 |
| 1975 | — | — | 62 | #1,053 |
| 1970 | — | — | 85 | #875 |
| 1965 | — | — | 133 | #646 |
| 1960 | 5 | #6,442 | 267 | #485 |
| 1955 | — | — | 275 | #448 |
| 1950 | — | — | 264 | #415 |
| 1945 | 6 | #4,061 | 211 | #413 |
| 1940 | — | — | 194 | #415 |
| 1935 | — | — | 184 | #402 |
| 1930 | — | — | 216 | #389 |
| 1925 | 8 | #3,696 | 230 | #396 |
| 1920 | 5 | #5,057 | 263 | #369 |
| 1915 | — | — | 276 | #306 |
| 1910 | — | — | 71 | #291 |
| 1905 | — | — | 70 | #234 |
| 1900 | — | — | 83 | #216 |
| 1895 | — | — | 55 | #238 |
| 1890 | — | — | 44 | #256 |
| 1885 | — | — | 43 | #252 |
| 1880 | — | — | 44 | #249 |
Famous people named Barney
- Barney Kessel Musician · 1923–2004
- Barney McKenna Singer · 1939–2012
- Barney Greenway Singer · b. 1969
- Barney Ewell Athlete · 1918–1996
- Barney Frank Politician · b. 1940
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Barney in 2025?
Barney ranked #12,274 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 5 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Barney?
16,181 babies have been named Barney in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Barney most popular?
Barney peaked in 1919, when 304 newborns received the name.
Is Barney a boy or girl name?
Barney is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 99% of babies with the name.
Is the name Barney rising or falling?
Barney is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Barney?
Well-known people named Barney include Barney Kessel (musician), Barney McKenna (singer), Barney Greenway (singer).