Howard
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: High Guardian; Brave Heart
Background: The name Howard originates from the Old English elements 'hū' meaning 'high' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian.' It is also linked to the Germanic name 'Hildehard,' which combines 'hild' meaning 'battle' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.'
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#98
Total births
348,120
Most popular decade
1920s
(212,379 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-68 ranks)
Years in Top 100
79
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.5% male
0.5% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 357
- First year rank
- #44
- Peak year
- 1921
- Peak year births
- 7,713
- Peak rank
- #27
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 207
- Recent rank
- #1,054
Female
- First year
- 1887
- First year births
- 5
- First year rank
- #1,147
- Peak year
- 1928
- Peak year births
- 56
- Peak rank
- #994
- Most recent year
- 1987
- Recent year births
- 6
- Recent rank
- #9,825
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).