What does April mean and where does it come from?
The name April is derived from the Latin word 'aperire', meaning to open, reflecting the blossoming of flowers and the start of spring. It became more common in the English-speaking world during the 20th century. April is often associated with new beginnings and renewal, fitting its seasonal connota
Cultural significance
April has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to open, to bud.
Peak popularity
Reached #23 in 1979 — currently #542 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell April?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with April?
April works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
April Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
April Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
April Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
April Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
April Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
April Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is April right now?
Declining — down 40 spots — currently #542 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #542 | 557 | ▼ down 40 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #502 | 609 | ▲ up 14 · +4% births |
| 2023 | #516 | 587 | ▲ up 14 |
| 2022 | #530 | 588 | ▼ down 11 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #519 | 594 | ▲ up 2 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #521 | 577 | ▼ down 118 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #403 | 803 | ▼ down 27 · -4% births |
| 2010 | #376 | 840 | ▼ down 74 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #302 | 1,054 | ▼ down 88 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #214 | 1,451 | ▼ down 59 · -30% births |
| 1995 | #155 | 2,076 | ▼ down 82 · -55% births |
| 1990 | #73 | 4,572 | ▼ down 26 · -32% births |
| 1985 | #47 | 6,692 | ▼ down 21 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #26 | 11,474 | ▼ down 1 · +39% births |
| 1975 | #25 | 8,243 | — |
The story of April
April entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. Its peak popularity was #23 in 1979. More than 240,600 babies have been named April since 1917. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3324 in 1920 to #516 in 2023. April is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside April in 1979:
April by decade
April peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 14 | |
| 1920s | 111 | |
| 1930s | 196 | |
| 1940s | 2,958 | |
| 1950s | 10,185 | |
| 1960s | 28,378 | |
| 1970s ★ | 77,181 | |
| 1980s | 76,224 | |
| 1990s | 25,828 | |
| 2000s | 11,418 | |
| 2010s | 7,530 | |
| 2020s | 1,743 | |
What are good nicknames for April?
What names sound and feel like April?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love April also consider these
How is April written in other languages?
Common questions about the name April
What does the name April mean?
April means "to open, to bud" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name April?
April is currently ranked #516 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of April?
April originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name April?
April is a two-syllable name pronounced AY-prul. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is April more of a girl or boy name?
April is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.