Inge

“protected by Ing” — Associated with the Norse god Ing

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16173US 2021

5Births / yr

↑Rising

712All-time births

📅 Since 192400

How to pronounce Inge

INJ

/ˈɪndʒ/ · stress on INJ · 1 syllable

“protected by Ing”

Associated with the Norse god Ing · Germanic origin

What does Inge mean and where does it come from?

Inge is a name rooted in Old Norse and is commonplace in Scandinavian countries and parts of Germany. It is often associated with the Norse god Ing, who is connected with fertility and peace. The name has variants such as Ingrid, but Inge stands out as a short and elegant choice. It is often used as

Cultural significance

Inge has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of protected by ing.

Peak popularity

Reached #1940 in 1931 — currently #16173 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Inge?

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

Inge Grace

How popular is Inge right now?

Rising fast — up 486 spots — currently #16173 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2021#16173 · Top 12%

1925

1930

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1985

2015

2021

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2021	#16173	5	▲ up 486
2015	#16659	5	▼ down 9593 · -44% births
1985	#7066	9	▼ down 1417 · -10% births
1975	#5649	10	▼ down 2148 · -44% births
1970	#3501	18	▼ down 864 · -18% births
1965	#2637	22	▼ down 22
1960	#2615	22	▲ up 884 · +83% births
1955	#3499	12	▲ up 88 · +20% births
1950	#3587	10	▼ down 1283 · -33% births
1930	#2304	15	▲ up 3290 · +200% births
1925	#5594	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Inge

Best Year1930Rank #2304

Peak Count22

Average Rank#6299

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 202111 years

The story of Inge

Inge entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 712 total births recorded, Inge remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5594 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16173 in 2021.

Names that peaked alongside Inge in 1931:

Mary Betty Dorothy Barbara Joan

Inge by decade

Inge peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	54
1930s	107
1940s	31
1950s	129
1960s ★	217
1970s	103
1980s	44
1990s	5
2000s	11
2010s	11

💎Inge has only 712 total recorded births since 1924 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

Famous people named Inge

Inge (Scandinavian royal)

Inge held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Inge (Germanic saint)

Inge spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Inge (medieval German ruler)

Inge bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Inge (Norse explorer)

Inge carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Inge?

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

Inger

Scandinavian countries · Old Norse

How is Inge written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Inge

What does the name Inge mean?

Inge means "protected by Ing" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Inge?

Inge is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Inge?

Inge originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Inge?

Inge is a one-syllable name pronounced IH1 N JH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Inge sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Inge flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Inge ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.