Gordon

“Spacious fort”

Scottish origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#728US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

154.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 189300

How to pronounce Gordon

GAW·rdun

/ˈɡɔ.rdən/ · stress on GAW · 2 syllables

“Spacious fort”

Scottish origin · Unisex name

What does Gordon mean and where does it come from?

Gordon is traditionally a masculine name of Scottish origin, but has become increasingly popular as a feminine name in recent years. The name is derived from a place name in Scotland, 'Gordon Castle', which itself originates from the Old Welsh 'gordd' meaning 'spacious fort.' The name can symbolize

Cultural significance

Gordon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scottish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spacious fort.

Peak popularity

Reached #1377 in 1929 — currently #728 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Gordon?

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

What middle names flow best with Gordon?

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

Gordon Grace

How popular is Gordon right now?

Holding steady — currently #728 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#728 · Top 0.54%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#728	1,472	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#733	1,452	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#738	1,422	▲ up 4793 · +14120% births
1975	#5531	10	▲ up 2495 · +100% births
1970	#8026	5	▼ down 1459
1965	#6567	5	▼ down 2629 · -55% births
1960	#3938	11	▲ up 1295 · +83% births
1955	#5233	6	▼ down 647 · +20% births
1945	#4586	5	▼ down 211
1940	#4375	5	▼ down 2053 · -62% births
1935	#2322	13	▼ down 563 · -38% births
1930	#1759	21	▲ up 192 · +5% births
1925	#1951	20	▲ up 143 · +11% births
1920	#2094	18	▼ down 348 · -5% births
1915	#1746	19	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gordon

Best Year2023Rank #728

Peak Count1,472

Average Rank#3355

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202315 years

The story of Gordon

Gordon has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. More than 154,443 babies have been named Gordon since 1893. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1746 in 1915 to #728 in 2023. Gordon is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Gordon in 1929:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Gordon by decade

Gordon peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	499
1890s	944
1900s	1,642
1910s	13,733
1920s ★	25,829
1930s	25,599
1940s	24,522
1950s	25,779
1960s	15,895
1970s	6,623
1980s	5,044
1990s	3,530
2000s	2,302
2010s	2,278
2020s	224

What are good nicknames for Gordon?

ENGLISH

GordGordieGordy

What names sound and feel like Gordon?

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

Gorton

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Gozdon

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Cordon

France · a cord, rope

Gorden

Scottish · Scottish

Gourdon

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Gordon written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Gordon

What does the name Gordon mean?

Gordon means "Spacious fort" — a name rooted in Scottish 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 Gordon?

Gordon is currently ranked #728 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 Gordon?

Gordon originates from Scottish tradition. Scottish 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 Gordon?

Gordon is a two-syllable name pronounced G AO1 R D AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gordon more of a girl or boy name?

Gordon is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.