What does July mean and where does it come from?
July is commonly recognized as the name of the seventh month in the Gregorian calendar. It symbolizes warmth, summer, and is often linked to celebrations such as Independence Day in the United States. As a given name, July has emerged as a distinctive choice among modern parents, often associated wi
Cultural significance
July has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of named for the month, representing summer and warmth.
Peak popularity
Reached #3899 in 1976 — currently #6673 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell July?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with July?
July works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
July Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
July Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
July Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
July Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
July Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
July Myles
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is July right now?
Falling — down 400 spots — currently #6673 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6673 | 17 | ▼ down 400 · -11% births |
| 2024 | #6273 | 19 | ▲ up 798 · +19% births |
| 2023 | #7071 | 16 | ▼ down 1355 · -27% births |
| 2022 | #5716 | 22 | ▲ up 1113 · +29% births |
| 2021 | #6829 | 17 | ▼ down 2070 · -37% births |
| 2020 | #4759 | 27 | ▲ up 405 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #5164 | 26 | ▲ up 659 · +13% births |
| 2010 | #5823 | 23 | ▲ up 225 · +15% births |
| 2005 | #6048 | 20 | ▲ up 6031 · +186% births |
| 2000 | #12079 | 7 | ▼ down 4382 · -36% births |
| 1995 | #7697 | 11 | ▲ up 399 · +10% births |
| 1990 | #8096 | 10 | ▼ down 2585 · -23% births |
| 1985 | #5511 | 13 | ▲ up 231 · +8% births |
| 1980 | #5742 | 12 | ▼ down 361 · +9% births |
| 1975 | #5381 | 11 | — |
The story of July
July is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 970 total births recorded, July remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6205 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7071 in 2023. July is used for both genders: 78% female and 22% male.
Names that peaked alongside July in 1976:
July by decade
July peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 38 | |
| 1970s | 127 | |
| 1980s | 123 | |
| 1990s | 157 | |
| 2000s | 193 | |
| 2010s ★ | 294 | |
| 2020s | 102 | |
💎July has only 970 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for July?
What names sound and feel like July?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love July also consider these
Common questions about the name July
What does the name July mean?
July means "Named for the month, representing summer and warmth" — a name rooted in American 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 July?
July is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for July have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of July?
July originates from American tradition. American 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 July?
July is a two-syllable name pronounced jul-EYE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is July trending right now?
July is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.