What does Baldwin mean and where does it come from?
Baldwin is of Old English origin, combining 'bald' (bold) and 'wine' (friend). Historically, it was a common name among the nobility, and it has been recorded as early as the medieval ages. The name has been borne by various notable figures, including Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, a 12th-century king. It
Cultural significance
Baldwin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #933 in 1880 — currently #10979 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Baldwin?
Baldwin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Baldwin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Baldwin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Baldwin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Baldwin Claire
French influence · crisp
Baldwin Jane
Literary · strong
Baldwin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Baldwin right now?
Falling — down 1910 spots — currently #10979 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10979 | 6 | ▼ down 1910 · -25% births |
| 2022 | #9069 | 8 | ▼ down 1412 · -20% births |
| 2021 | #7657 | 10 | ▲ up 2871 · +67% births |
| 2020 | #10528 | 6 | ▲ up 122 |
| 2015 | #10650 | 6 | ▼ down 1843 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #8807 | 8 | ▼ down 1693 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #7114 | 10 | ▼ down 255 · +11% births |
| 2000 | #6859 | 9 | ▼ down 435 · +13% births |
| 1995 | #6424 | 8 | ▼ down 2013 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #4411 | 12 | ▼ down 552 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #3859 | 10 | ▼ down 1572 · -23% births |
| 1965 | #2287 | 13 | ▲ up 817 · +63% births |
| 1960 | #3104 | 8 | ▲ up 117 · +14% births |
| 1955 | #3221 | 7 | ▲ up 500 · +40% births |
| 1950 | #3721 | 5 | — |
The story of Baldwin
Baldwin has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 610 total births recorded, Baldwin remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #933 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10979 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Baldwin in 1880:
Baldwin by decade
Baldwin peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 67 | |
| 1920s | 86 | |
| 1930s | 40 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 51 | |
| 1960s | 64 | |
| 1970s | 18 | |
| 1980s | 43 | |
| 1990s ★ | 89 | |
| 2000s | 66 | |
| 2010s | 58 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Baldwin has only 610 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Baldwin?
What names sound and feel like Baldwin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Baldwin also consider these
How is Baldwin written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Baldwin
What does the name Baldwin mean?
Baldwin means "Old English" — 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 Baldwin?
Baldwin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Baldwin?
Baldwin 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 Baldwin?
Baldwin is a two-syllable name pronounced B AO1 L D W AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Baldwin a common or rare name?
Baldwin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.