Oswald
Every Oswald since 1880 — 4,407 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Oswald
Oswald is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #2,161 in 2025 with 67 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 4,407 American babies have been named Oswald. Its peak came in 1916, when 107 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 Oswald stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Oswald year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 67 | #2,161 |
| 2024 | 70 | #2,128 |
| 2023 | 65 | #2,212 |
| 2022 | 55 | #2,507 |
| 2021 | 54 | #2,485 |
| 2020 | 39 | #3,015 |
| 2019 | 42 | #2,927 |
| 2018 | 41 | #2,927 |
| 2017 | 38 | #3,108 |
| 2016 | 36 | #3,205 |
| 2015 | 26 | #4,048 |
| 2014 | 27 | #3,865 |
| 2013 | 19 | #4,922 |
| 2012 | 14 | #6,220 |
| 2011 | 18 | #5,138 |
| 2010 | 21 | #4,639 |
| 2009 | 19 | #5,055 |
| 2008 | 14 | #6,317 |
| 2007 | 20 | #4,756 |
| 2006 | 18 | #5,010 |
| 2005 | 17 | #4,973 |
| 2004 | 25 | #3,717 |
| 2003 | 23 | #3,816 |
| 2002 | 9 | #7,472 |
| 2001 | 24 | #3,592 |
| 2000 | 20 | #4,027 |
| 1995 | 16 | #3,999 |
| 1990 | 24 | #2,754 |
| 1985 | 21 | #2,482 |
| 1980 | 19 | #2,593 |
| 1975 | 16 | #2,609 |
| 1970 | 27 | #1,689 |
| 1965 | 19 | #1,842 |
| 1960 | 26 | #1,610 |
| 1955 | 20 | #1,772 |
| 1950 | 25 | #1,490 |
| 1945 | 38 | #1,052 |
| 1940 | 18 | #1,670 |
| 1935 | 33 | #1,158 |
| 1930 | 71 | #763 |
| 1925 | 84 | #708 |
| 1920 | 80 | #729 |
| 1915 | 92 | #600 |
| 1910 | 29 | #530 |
| 1905 | 13 | #692 |
| 1900 | 9 | #952 |
| 1895 | 13 | #598 |
| 1890 | 12 | #594 |
| 1885 | 5 | #1,061 |
| 1880 | 9 | #674 |
Famous people named Oswald
- Oswald Spengler Philosopher · 1880–1936
- Oswald Mosley Politician · 1896–1980
- Oswald Avery Physician · 1877–1955
- Oswald Pohl Politician · 1892–1951
- Oswald Boelcke Military personnel · 1891–1916
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Oswald in 2025?
Oswald ranked #2,161 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 67 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Oswald?
4,407 babies have been named Oswald in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Oswald most popular?
Oswald peaked in 1916, when 107 newborns received the name.
Is Oswald a boy or girl name?
Oswald is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Oswald rising or falling?
Oswald is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Oswald?
Well-known people named Oswald include Oswald Spengler (philosopher), Oswald Mosley (politician), Oswald Avery (physician).