Red
Every Red since 1888 — 396 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Red
Red is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #6,075 in 2025 with 15 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1888, 396 American babies have been named Red. Its peak came in 2024, when 18 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
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 Red stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Red year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | #6,075 |
| 2024 | 18 | #5,395 |
| 2023 | 16 | #5,866 |
| 2022 | 16 | #5,812 |
| 2021 | 9 | #8,682 |
| 2020 | 9 | #8,580 |
| 2019 | 10 | #8,080 |
| 2018 | 10 | #8,031 |
| 2017 | 10 | #8,008 |
| 2016 | 11 | #7,499 |
| 2015 | 7 | #10,385 |
| 2014 | 11 | #7,445 |
| 2013 | 5 | #13,634 |
| 2012 | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — |
| 2010 | — | — |
| 2009 | 6 | #12,148 |
| 2008 | — | — |
| 2007 | 5 | #13,947 |
| 2006 | — | — |
| 2005 | — | — |
| 2004 | — | — |
| 2003 | — | — |
| 2002 | — | — |
| 2001 | 5 | #11,912 |
| 2000 | — | — |
| 1995 | — | — |
| 1990 | — | — |
| 1985 | — | — |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | 5 | #4,092 |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | 16 | #2,066 |
| 1920 | 12 | #2,576 |
| 1915 | 15 | #1,948 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | 6 | #975 |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Red
- Red Cloud Politician · 1822–1909
- Red Auerbach Basketball player · 1917–2006
- Red Buttons Actor · 1919–2006
- Red Garland Musician · 1923–1984
- Red Mitchell Musician · 1927–1992
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Red in 2025?
Red ranked #6,075 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 15 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Red?
396 babies have been named Red in the United States since 1888, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Red most popular?
Red peaked in 2024, when 18 newborns received the name.
Is Red a boy or girl name?
Red is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Red rising or falling?
Red is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Red?
Well-known people named Red include Red Cloud (politician), Red Auerbach (basketball player), Red Buttons (actor).