Hamilton
From Old English *Hameldūne, from hamel (“blunt, flat-topped”) + dūne (“hill”).
Every Hamilton since 1880 — 6,517 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Hamilton
Hamilton is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #3,152 in 2025 with 38 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 6,517 American babies have been named Hamilton. Its peak came in 2016, when 98 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
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 Hamilton stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Hamilton year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 38 | #3,152 |
| 2024 | 50 | #2,647 |
| 2023 | 48 | #2,709 |
| 2022 | 68 | #2,155 |
| 2021 | 73 | #2,031 |
| 2020 | 56 | #2,373 |
| 2019 | 81 | #1,854 |
| 2018 | 80 | #1,878 |
| 2017 | 83 | #1,814 |
| 2016 | 98 | #1,630 |
| 2015 | 86 | #1,771 |
| 2014 | 93 | #1,660 |
| 2013 | 86 | #1,718 |
| 2012 | 56 | #2,308 |
| 2011 | 71 | #1,953 |
| 2010 | 59 | #2,219 |
| 2009 | 78 | #1,868 |
| 2008 | 92 | #1,670 |
| 2007 | 63 | #2,146 |
| 2006 | 75 | #1,829 |
| 2005 | 59 | #2,091 |
| 2004 | 64 | #1,918 |
| 2003 | 56 | #2,038 |
| 2002 | 55 | #2,006 |
| 2001 | 78 | #1,552 |
| 2000 | 57 | #1,860 |
| 1995 | 69 | #1,439 |
| 1990 | 59 | #1,475 |
| 1985 | 59 | #1,248 |
| 1980 | 66 | #1,115 |
| 1975 | 41 | #1,364 |
| 1970 | 41 | #1,305 |
| 1965 | 36 | #1,283 |
| 1960 | 31 | #1,447 |
| 1955 | 31 | #1,385 |
| 1950 | 45 | #1,055 |
| 1945 | 39 | #1,023 |
| 1940 | 33 | #1,167 |
| 1935 | 29 | #1,260 |
| 1930 | 48 | #986 |
| 1925 | 65 | #826 |
| 1920 | 61 | #881 |
| 1915 | 67 | #725 |
| 1910 | 13 | #897 |
| 1905 | 11 | #764 |
| 1900 | 19 | #566 |
| 1895 | 15 | #539 |
| 1890 | 8 | #776 |
| 1885 | 8 | #731 |
| 1880 | 17 | #432 |
Famous people named Hamilton
- Hamilton O. Smith Biologist · b. 1931
- Hamilton Mourão Politician · b. 1953
- Hamilton Fish Politician · 1808–1893
- Hamilton Harty Composer · 1879–1941
- Hamilton Camp Actor · 1934–2005
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hamilton mean?
From Old English *Hameldūne, from hamel (“blunt, flat-topped”) + dūne (“hill”).
How popular is the name Hamilton in 2025?
Hamilton ranked #3,152 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 38 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Hamilton?
6,517 babies have been named Hamilton in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Hamilton most popular?
Hamilton peaked in 2016, when 98 newborns received the name.
Is Hamilton a boy or girl name?
Hamilton is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Hamilton rising or falling?
Hamilton is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Hamilton?
Well-known people named Hamilton include Hamilton O. Smith (biologist), Hamilton Mourão (politician), Hamilton Fish (politician).