Washington
Every Washington since 1880 — 2,644 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Washington
Washington 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 1880, 2,644 American babies have been named Washington. Its peak came in 1921, when 60 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.
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 Washington stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Washington 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 | 8 | #9,819 |
| 2023 | 9 | #8,872 |
| 2022 | 10 | #8,253 |
| 2021 | 6 | #12,061 |
| 2020 | 11 | #7,470 |
| 2019 | 10 | #8,174 |
| 2018 | 12 | #7,105 |
| 2017 | 23 | #4,458 |
| 2016 | 11 | #7,571 |
| 2015 | 11 | #7,467 |
| 2014 | 13 | #6,607 |
| 2013 | 12 | #6,996 |
| 2012 | 13 | #6,613 |
| 2011 | 15 | #5,928 |
| 2010 | 9 | #8,751 |
| 2009 | 7 | #10,919 |
| 2008 | 12 | #7,162 |
| 2007 | 5 | #14,297 |
| 2006 | 8 | #9,543 |
| 2005 | 8 | #9,064 |
| 2004 | 15 | #5,478 |
| 2003 | 8 | #8,601 |
| 2002 | 5 | #12,416 |
| 2001 | 11 | #6,424 |
| 2000 | 5 | #12,059 |
| 1995 | 12 | #5,113 |
| 1990 | 15 | #3,962 |
| 1985 | 9 | #4,679 |
| 1980 | 11 | #3,832 |
| 1975 | 14 | #2,896 |
| 1970 | 18 | #2,209 |
| 1965 | 14 | #2,267 |
| 1960 | 12 | #2,532 |
| 1955 | 11 | #2,552 |
| 1950 | 20 | #1,699 |
| 1945 | 24 | #1,376 |
| 1940 | 23 | #1,431 |
| 1935 | 26 | #1,353 |
| 1930 | 29 | #1,365 |
| 1925 | 34 | #1,245 |
| 1920 | 51 | #972 |
| 1915 | 48 | #903 |
| 1910 | 26 | #568 |
| 1905 | 14 | #665 |
| 1900 | 28 | #429 |
| 1895 | 19 | #475 |
| 1890 | 16 | #486 |
| 1885 | 21 | #398 |
| 1880 | 24 | #355 |
Famous people named Washington
- Washington Irving Writer · 1783–1859
- Washington Luís Politician · 1869–1957
- Washington Ortuño Soccer player · 1928–1973
- Washington Allston Painter · 1779–1843
- Washington Soccer player · b. 1975
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Washington in 2025?
Washington 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 Washington?
2,644 babies have been named Washington in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Washington most popular?
Washington peaked in 1921, when 60 newborns received the name.
Is Washington a boy or girl name?
Washington is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Washington rising or falling?
Washington is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Washington?
Well-known people named Washington include Washington Irving (writer), Washington Luís (politician), Washington Ortuño (soccer player).