What does Coburn mean and where does it come from?
Coburn is an English surname that has been used as a first name. The name is derived from a geographical reference, meaning it could relate to someone who lived near a dark river or stream. It has roots in Old English, where 'cū' means cow and 'burna' means stream, thus forming a name indicative of
Cultural significance
Coburn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the dark river.
Peak popularity
Reached #2517 in 1943 — currently #9068 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Coburn?
Coburn works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Coburn Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Coburn Rose
Floral · soft ending
Coburn Mae
Sweet · timeless
Coburn Claire
French influence · crisp
Coburn Jane
Literary · strong
Coburn Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Coburn right now?
Falling — down 1202 spots — currently #9068 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9068 | 8 | ▼ down 1202 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #7866 | 10 | ▲ up 4619 · +100% births |
| 2021 | #12485 | 5 | ▼ down 457 |
| 2020 | #12028 | 5 | ▲ up 148 |
| 2015 | #12176 | 5 | ▼ down 8998 · -17% births |
| 1945 | #3178 | 6 | ▲ up 673 · +20% births |
| 1935 | #3851 | 5 | ▼ down 246 · -17% births |
| 1915 | #3605 | 6 | — |
The story of Coburn
Coburn entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 216 total births recorded, Coburn remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3605 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9068 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Coburn in 1943:
Coburn by decade
Coburn peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 21 | |
| 1920s | 42 | |
| 1930s | 21 | |
| 1940s ★ | 45 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 7 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 22 | |
| 2000s | 10 | |
| 2010s | 33 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Coburn has only 216 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Coburn?
What names sound and feel like Coburn?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Coburn also consider these
Common questions about the name Coburn
What does the name Coburn mean?
Coburn means "From the dark river" — 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 Coburn?
Coburn 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 Coburn?
Coburn 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 Coburn?
Coburn is a two-syllable name pronounced K OW1 B ER0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Coburn a common or rare name?
Coburn is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.