Ebb

“the ebbing tide”

Scandinavian countries origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1238US 2023

962Births / yr

→Stable

247All-time births

📅 Since 188100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ebb

/ˈɛb/ · stress on EB · 1 syllable

“the ebbing tide”

Scandinavian countries origin · Boy name

What does Ebb mean and where does it come from?

Ebb is an Old English name that historically relates to the ebbing tide, denoting a receding or flowing motion, especially relating to water bodies like oceans. It is a less common name but may appeal to nature lovers or those with a nautical connection. The simplicity of the name adds a timeless qu

Cultural significance

Ebb has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scandinavian countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the ebbing tide.

Peak popularity

Reached #564 in 1890 — currently #1238 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Ebb?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Ebb?

Ebb works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ebb Grace

How popular is Ebb right now?

Holding steady — currently #1238 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1238 · Top 0.91%

1885

1890

1900

1915

1925

1930

1935

1950

1955

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1238	962	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1243	942	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1248	912	▲ up 2690 · +18140% births
1955	#3938	5	▼ down 571 · -17% births
1950	#3367	6	▼ down 378 · -14% births
1935	#2989	7	▲ up 650 · +17% births
1930	#3639	6	▼ down 862 · -40% births
1925	#2777	10	▲ up 334 · +43% births
1915	#3111	7	▼ down 1735 · +40% births
1900	#1376	5	▼ down 812 · -62% births
1890	#564	13	▲ up 458 · +160% births
1885	#1022	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ebb

Best Year2023Rank #1238

Peak Count962

Average Rank#2493

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202310 years

The story of Ebb

Ebb has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 247 total births recorded, Ebb remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1022 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1238 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ebb in 1890:

John William James George Charles

Ebb by decade

Ebb peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	46
1890s	13
1900s	17
1910s	47
1920s ★	54
1930s	44
1940s	8
1950s	18

💎Ebb has only 247 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What names sound and feel like Ebb?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ebb also consider these

Jebb

English · may God protect

Ebbs

International · A International name

Ebby

English · a diminutive form

Hebb

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Webb

United Kingdom · English

Ebn

International · A International name

English · Short form of

Ebbe

Denmark · Wild boar

Common questions about the name Ebb

What does the name Ebb mean?

Ebb means "the ebbing tide" — a name rooted in Scandinavian countries 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 Ebb?

Ebb is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Ebb?

Ebb originates from Scandinavian countries tradition. Scandinavian countries 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 Ebb?

Ebb is a one-syllable name pronounced EH1 B. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Ebb sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Ebb flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Ebb ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.