Algernon
Every Algernon since 1886 — 985 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
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.
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
- Algernon Charles Swinburne Writer · 1837–1909
- Algernon Blackwood Occultist · 1869–1951
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
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 Charles Swinburne (writer), Algernon Blackwood (occultist).