Fonz

diminutive of Alfonso
Modern American origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1741US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.3%Percentile

What does Fonz mean and where does it come from?

Fonz is a diminutive form of the name Alfonso, which has roots in the Gothic elements meaning 'noble' and 'ready'.

Cultural significance
The name gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly due to the character Fonzie from the television show 'Happy Days'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1741 in 2015 — currently #1741 in the US.
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Related Reading
Modern American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Fonz?

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

What middle names flow best with Fonz?

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

Fonz Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Fonz John
One syllable · timeless choice
Fonz Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Fonz Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Fonz Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Fonz Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Fonz
Browse ideas →

How popular is Fonz right now?

Holding steady — currently #1741 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1741 · Top 1.3%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#174110stable
2022#174110stable
2021#174110stable
2020#174110stable
2019#174110
💎Fonz is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Fonz?

Common
Fo

Famous people named Fonz

HW
Henry Winkler
Actor known for portraying Fonzie on 'Happy Days'.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Fonz

What does the name Fonz mean?
Fonz means "diminutive of Alfonso" — a name rooted in Modern 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 Fonz?
Fonz is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Fonz?
Fonz originates from Modern American tradition. Modern American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Fonz sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Fonz flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Fonz ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Fonz more of a girl or boy name?
Fonz is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.