What does Humphrey mean and where does it come from?
The name Humphrey derives from the Old German name 'Hugon' and the Old French element 'freid,' which means peace. It was introduced to England by the Normans following the Conquest of 1066. The name saw popularity during the Middle Ages, notably linked to St. Humphrey, an 8th-century bishop. Notable
Cultural significance
Humphrey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of high peace.
Peak popularity
Reached #690 in 1893 — currently #13057 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Humphrey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Humphrey?
Humphrey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Humphrey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Humphrey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Humphrey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Humphrey Claire
French influence · crisp
Humphrey Jane
Literary · strong
Humphrey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Humphrey right now?
Falling — down 2937 spots — currently #13057 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #13057 | 5 | ▼ down 2937 · -29% births |
| 2021 | #10120 | 7 | ▼ down 2134 · -22% births |
| 2020 | #7986 | 9 | ▲ up 1587 · +29% births |
| 2015 | #9573 | 7 | ▼ down 3732 · -12% births |
| 1990 | #5841 | 8 | ▼ down 1487 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #4354 | 9 | ▲ up 158 · +13% births |
| 1980 | #4512 | 8 | ▼ down 173 · +14% births |
| 1975 | #4339 | 7 | ▼ down 795 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #3544 | 8 | ▼ down 272 · +14% births |
| 1965 | #3272 | 7 | ▼ down 166 · -12% births |
| 1960 | #3106 | 8 | ▼ down 1045 · -47% births |
| 1955 | #2061 | 15 | ▼ down 24 · +7% births |
| 1950 | #2037 | 14 | ▼ down 96 · +8% births |
| 1945 | #1941 | 13 | ▲ up 752 · +63% births |
| 1940 | #2693 | 8 | — |
The story of Humphrey
Humphrey has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,065 total births recorded, Humphrey remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #989 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13057 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Humphrey in 1893:
Humphrey by decade
Humphrey peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 50 | |
| 1890s | 32 | |
| 1900s | 29 | |
| 1910s | 137 | |
| 1920s ★ | 151 | |
| 1930s | 97 | |
| 1940s | 101 | |
| 1950s | 142 | |
| 1960s | 100 | |
| 1970s | 57 | |
| 1980s | 56 | |
| 1990s | 38 | |
| 2000s | 25 | |
| 2010s | 41 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
💎With 1,065 total births, Humphrey is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Humphrey?
What names sound and feel like Humphrey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Humphrey also consider these
How is Humphrey written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Humphrey
What does the name Humphrey mean?
Humphrey means "high peace" — a name rooted in England 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 Humphrey?
Humphrey is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Humphrey?
Humphrey originates from England tradition. England 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 Humphrey?
Humphrey is a two-syllable name pronounced HH AH1 M F ER0 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Humphrey a common or rare name?
Humphrey is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.