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.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Inge Rose
Floral · soft ending
Inge Claire
French influence · crisp
Inge Jane
Literary · strong
Inge Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Inge right now?
Rising fast — up 486 spots — currently #16173 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
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Inge (Scandinavian royal)
Inge held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Inge (Germanic saint)
Inge spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
I(
Inge (medieval German ruler)
Inge bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
I(
Inge (Norse explorer)
Inge carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Inge?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Inge also consider these
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.