What does Greene mean and where does it come from?
Greene is a surname that has been used as a first name in some cultures. It generally denotes someone living in a green area or a meadow. The name is historically tied to England and has notable variations, including Green and Greene. It has been used in literature and art, symbolizing growth and na
Cultural significance
Greene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dweller by the green.
Peak popularity
Reached #1055 in 1882 — currently #1457 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Greene?
Greene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Greene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Greene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Greene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Greene Claire
French influence · crisp
Greene Jane
Literary · strong
Greene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Greene right now?
Holding steady — currently #1457 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1457 | 743 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1462 | 723 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1467 | 693 | ▲ up 2308 · +11450% births |
| 1925 | #3775 | 6 | ▼ down 539 · -25% births |
| 1920 | #3236 | 8 | ▲ up 196 · +33% births |
| 1915 | #3432 | 6 | — |
The story of Greene
Greene has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 121 total births recorded, Greene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3432 in 1915 to #1457 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Greene in 1882:
Greene by decade
Greene peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 37 | |
| 1920s ★ | 58 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1940s | 10 | |
💎Greene has only 121 total recorded births since 1882 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Greene?
Common
GreGreenGreenieGreenyEne
What names sound and feel like Greene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Greene also consider these
Common questions about the name Greene
What does the name Greene mean?
Greene means "dweller by the green" — a name rooted in English 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 Greene?
Greene 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 Greene?
Greene originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Greene a common or rare name?
Greene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Greene?
Greene naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.