What does December mean and where does it come from?
December is a modern and somewhat unique name that is commonly found in the United States. It is derived from the Latin word 'decem', meaning 'ten', as it was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar. As a given name, it conveys associations with winter and the holiday season. It has been us
Cultural significance
December has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #2771 in 1979 — currently #5768 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell December?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with December?
December works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
December Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
December Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
December Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
December Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
December Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
December Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is December right now?
Falling — down 577 spots — currently #5768 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5768 | 21 | ▼ down 577 · -16% births |
| 2024 | #5191 | 25 | ▼ down 808 · -22% births |
| 2023 | #4383 | 32 | ▲ up 14 |
| 2022 | #4397 | 32 | ▼ down 447 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #3950 | 37 | ▲ up 50 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #4000 | 35 | ▼ down 215 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #3785 | 40 | ▲ up 849 · +29% births |
| 2010 | #4634 | 31 | ▼ down 224 |
| 2005 | #4410 | 31 | ▲ up 28 · +15% births |
| 2000 | #4438 | 27 | ▼ down 1478 · -32% births |
| 1995 | #2960 | 40 | ▲ up 1816 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #4776 | 20 | ▼ down 226 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #4550 | 17 | ▼ down 1278 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #3272 | 26 | ▲ up 312 · +37% births |
| 1975 | #3584 | 19 | — |
The story of December
December entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 1,465 total births recorded, December remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7188 in 1960 to #4383 in 2023. December is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside December in 1979:
December by decade
December peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 64 | |
| 1970s | 160 | |
| 1980s | 225 | |
| 1990s | 299 | |
| 2000s | 320 | |
| 2010s ★ | 362 | |
| 2020s | 81 | |
💎With 1,465 total births, December is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for December?
What names sound and feel like December?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love December also consider these
Common questions about the name December
What does the name December mean?
December means "A beloved name with deep roots" — 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 December?
December is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for December have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of December?
December 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 do you pronounce the name December?
December is a three-syllable name pronounced dis-EMB-er. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with December?
December pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.