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.
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Related Reading
Scottish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Gordon Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gordon Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gordon Claire
French influence · crisp
Gordon Jane
Literary · strong
Gordon Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gordon right now?
Holding steady — currently #728 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Gordon by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Gordon?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gordon also consider these
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.