What does Cross mean and where does it come from?
Cross is an English surname and given name that relates to the term for a crossroads or an intersection. The name has Old English origins and has been used historically in many English-speaking countries. Variants of this name have appeared in records dating back centuries. It is also associated wit
Cultural significance
Cross has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a name indicating someone who lives near a cross or intersection.
Peak popularity
Reached #1665 in 1998 — currently #2225 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cross?
Cross works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cross Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cross Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cross Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cross Claire
French influence · crisp
Cross Jane
Literary · strong
Cross Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cross right now?
Rising fast — up 75 spots — currently #2225 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2225 | 64 | ▲ up 75 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #2300 | 62 | ▼ down 334 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #1966 | 76 | ▲ up 270 · +25% births |
| 2020 | #2236 | 61 | ▲ up 888 · +65% births |
| 2015 | #3124 | 37 | ▲ up 101 · +6% births |
| 2010 | #3225 | 35 | ▼ down 830 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #2395 | 49 | ▼ down 99 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #2296 | 43 | — |
The story of Cross
Cross is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1997. With 1,037 total births recorded, Cross remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2296 in 2000 to #2225 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cross in 1998:
Cross by decade
Cross peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 150 | |
| 2000s ★ | 470 | |
| 2010s | 356 | |
| 2020s | 61 | |
💎With 1,037 total births, Cross is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cross?
What names sound and feel like Cross?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cross also consider these
Common questions about the name Cross
What does the name Cross mean?
Cross means "a name indicating someone who lives near a cross or intersection" — a name rooted in American 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 Cross?
Cross is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Cross have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Cross?
Cross originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Cross sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Cross flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cross ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Cross trending right now?
Cross is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.