What does Missouri mean and where does it come from?
Missouri is derived from a Native American name referring to the Missouri River. It became popular as a given name in the 20th century, reflecting a sense of American identity and geographical pride. In the U.S., the name is associated with the state of Missouri and its rich cultural history, partic
Cultural significance
Missouri has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of town of the large canoes.
Peak popularity
Reached #339 in 1880 — currently #14594 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Missouri?
Missouri works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Missouri Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Missouri Rose
Floral · soft ending
Missouri Mae
Sweet · timeless
Missouri Claire
French influence · crisp
Missouri Jane
Literary · strong
Missouri Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Missouri right now?
Falling — down 6696 spots — currently #14594 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #14594 | 6 | ▼ down 6696 · -57% births |
| 2021 | #7898 | 14 | ▲ up 9078 · +180% births |
| 2010 | #16976 | 5 | ▼ down 12237 · -29% births |
| 1955 | #4739 | 7 | ▼ down 421 |
| 1950 | #4318 | 7 | ▼ down 642 |
| 1945 | #3676 | 7 | ▲ up 672 · +40% births |
| 1940 | #4348 | 5 | ▼ down 1192 · -37% births |
| 1935 | #3156 | 8 | ▼ down 1341 · -60% births |
| 1930 | #1815 | 20 | ▼ down 281 · -31% births |
| 1925 | #1534 | 29 | ▼ down 64 · -3% births |
| 1920 | #1470 | 30 | ▼ down 103 · +11% births |
| 1915 | #1367 | 27 | ▼ down 490 · +13% births |
| 1910 | #877 | 24 | ▼ down 143 |
| 1905 | #734 | 24 | ▲ up 9 |
| 1900 | #743 | 24 | — |
The story of Missouri
Missouri has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,564 total births recorded, Missouri remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #339 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14594 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Missouri in 1880:
Missouri by decade
Missouri peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 264 | |
| 1890s | 230 | |
| 1900s | 235 | |
| 1910s | 269 | |
| 1920s ★ | 278 | |
| 1930s | 121 | |
| 1940s | 58 | |
| 1950s | 52 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 17 | |
| 2010s | 34 | |
💎With 1,564 total births, Missouri is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Missouri?
What names sound and feel like Missouri?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Missouri also consider these
Common questions about the name Missouri
What does the name Missouri mean?
Missouri means "Town of the large canoes" — 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 Missouri?
Missouri is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Missouri have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Missouri?
Missouri 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 Missouri?
Missouri is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 Z ER1 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Missouri?
Missouri pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.