Ethel
Peaked at #6 nationally in 1896, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Ethel has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
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Ethel — Girls (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#6
in 1896
Current rank
#4915
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1880, Ethel reached its peak popularity for girls in 1896, ranking #6 nationally with 3,502 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has climbed from #6057 (2014) to #4915 (2024) — a 19% improvement.
As of 2024, Ethel ranks #4915 nationally for girls, with 27 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #4,915 | 27 |
| 2023 | #5,439 | 23 |
| 2022 | #4,832 | 28 |
| 2021 | #4,878 | 27 |
| 2020 | #4,930 | 26 |
| 2019 | #5,486 | 23 |
| 2018 | #4,387 | 32 |
| 2017 | #4,851 | 28 |
Ethel — Boys (United States)
StablePeak rank
#406
in 1898
Last ranked
#4319
in 1968
Years tracked
80
1880–1968
Trend
Stable
Tracked since 1880, Ethel reached its peak popularity for boys in 1898, ranking #406 nationally with 24 babies given the name that year.
Ethel hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 1968, when it stood at #4319.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | #4,319 | 5 |
| 1966 | #3,330 | 7 |
| 1965 | #4,077 | 5 |
| 1963 | #3,141 | 8 |
| 1962 | #4,244 | 5 |
| 1957 | #4,170 | 5 |
| 1956 | #3,306 | 7 |
| 1955 | #2,834 | 9 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Ethel most popular?
Ethel was most popular in 1896, when it ranked #6 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Ethel becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently rising; for boys, it's currently stable, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Ethel?
At least 280,380 babies have been recorded with the name Ethel in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Ethel? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.