Socrates
Via Latin Socrates, from Ancient Greek Σωκράτης (Sōkrátēs).
Every Socrates since 1914 — 725 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Socrates
Socrates 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 1914, 725 American babies have been named Socrates. Its peak came in 1922, when 17 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 Socrates stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Socrates 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 | 11 | #7,692 |
| 2021 | 8 | #9,575 |
| 2020 | 5 | #13,761 |
| 2019 | 5 | #13,856 |
| 2018 | 8 | #9,542 |
| 2017 | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — |
| 2015 | 7 | #10,468 |
| 2014 | 10 | #8,045 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10,572 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9,581 |
| 2011 | 7 | #10,615 |
| 2010 | 6 | #11,989 |
| 2009 | 11 | #7,617 |
| 2008 | 11 | #7,626 |
| 2007 | 8 | #9,648 |
| 2006 | 7 | #10,502 |
| 2005 | 9 | #8,199 |
| 2004 | 12 | #6,459 |
| 2003 | — | — |
| 2002 | 9 | #7,552 |
| 2001 | 12 | #5,960 |
| 2000 | 12 | #5,858 |
| 1995 | 11 | #5,453 |
| 1990 | 13 | #4,369 |
| 1985 | 11 | #4,016 |
| 1980 | 6 | #6,146 |
| 1975 | 9 | #3,908 |
| 1970 | 7 | #4,180 |
| 1965 | 9 | #2,958 |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | 6 | #3,422 |
| 1935 | 12 | #2,233 |
| 1930 | 14 | #2,162 |
| 1925 | 11 | #2,730 |
| 1920 | 6 | #4,216 |
| 1915 | 7 | #3,355 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Socrates
- Socrates Philosopher · -470–-399
- Socrates of Constantinople Historian · 380–440
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Socrates mean?
Via Latin Socrates, from Ancient Greek Σωκράτης (Sōkrátēs).
How popular is the name Socrates in 2025?
Socrates 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 Socrates?
725 babies have been named Socrates in the United States since 1914, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Socrates most popular?
Socrates peaked in 1922, when 17 newborns received the name.
Is Socrates a boy or girl name?
Socrates is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Socrates rising or falling?
Socrates is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Socrates?
Well-known people named Socrates include Socrates (philosopher), Socrates of Constantinople (historian).