Butch
Every Butch since 1919 — 3,423 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Butch
Butch 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 1919, 3,423 American babies have been named Butch. Its peak came in 1956, when 139 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1950s.
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 Butch stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Butch 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 | 7 | #10,066 |
| 2023 | 10 | #7,823 |
| 2022 | 6 | #11,086 |
| 2021 | 5 | #12,443 |
| 2020 | — | — |
| 2019 | 5 | #12,452 |
| 2018 | — | — |
| 2017 | 6 | #10,988 |
| 2016 | 5 | #12,492 |
| 2015 | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — |
| 2013 | 6 | #10,947 |
| 2012 | — | — |
| 2011 | 5 | #12,564 |
| 2010 | 9 | #8,246 |
| 2009 | — | — |
| 2008 | 5 | #12,806 |
| 2007 | 8 | #9,038 |
| 2006 | 6 | #10,861 |
| 2005 | 10 | #7,194 |
| 2004 | 10 | #7,045 |
| 2003 | 6 | #9,747 |
| 2002 | 8 | #7,743 |
| 2001 | 12 | #5,720 |
| 2000 | 8 | #7,540 |
| 1995 | 7 | #7,090 |
| 1990 | 20 | #3,070 |
| 1985 | 19 | #2,610 |
| 1980 | 18 | #2,629 |
| 1975 | 29 | #1,712 |
| 1970 | 41 | #1,299 |
| 1965 | 62 | #935 |
| 1960 | 119 | #716 |
| 1955 | 116 | #680 |
| 1950 | 118 | #638 |
| 1945 | 63 | #775 |
| 1940 | 27 | #1,288 |
| 1935 | 5 | #3,718 |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Butch
- Butch Cassidy Extremist · 1866–1908
- Butch Otter Politician · b. 1942
- Butch Hartman Actor · b. 1965
- Butch Reynolds Athlete · b. 1964
- Butch Walker Musician · b. 1969
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Butch in 2025?
Butch 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 Butch?
3,423 babies have been named Butch in the United States since 1919, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Butch most popular?
Butch peaked in 1956, when 139 newborns received the name.
Is Butch a boy or girl name?
Butch is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Butch rising or falling?
Butch is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Butch?
Well-known people named Butch include Butch Cassidy (extremist), Butch Otter (politician), Butch Hartman (actor).