What does Moody mean and where does it come from?
The name 'Moody' has English origins, typically referring to a personality that is variable, temperamental, or prone to changing moods. While it can be used as a surname, it is less common as a first name. The popularity of the name as a given name has been quite limited. Notable people include Brit
Cultural significance
Moody has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #699 in 1893 — currently #13517 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Moody?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Moody?
Moody works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Moody Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Moody John
One syllable · timeless choice
Moody Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Moody Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Moody Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Moody Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Moody right now?
Rising fast — up 174 spots — currently #13517 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13517 | 5 | ▲ up 174 |
| 2022 | #13691 | 5 | ▼ down 9601 |
| 1960 | #4090 | 5 | ▼ down 1471 · -44% births |
| 1950 | #2619 | 9 | ▲ up 779 · +80% births |
| 1945 | #3398 | 5 | ▼ down 1479 · -64% births |
| 1940 | #1919 | 14 | ▲ up 34 |
| 1935 | #1953 | 14 | ▲ up 39 · -7% births |
| 1930 | #1992 | 15 | ▼ down 396 · -35% births |
| 1925 | #1596 | 23 | ▲ up 553 · +53% births |
| 1920 | #2149 | 15 | ▼ down 583 · -25% births |
| 1915 | #1566 | 20 | ▼ down 476 · +100% births |
| 1910 | #1090 | 10 | ▲ up 220 · +100% births |
| 1905 | #1310 | 5 | ▼ down 424 · -50% births |
| 1900 | #886 | 10 | — |
The story of Moody
Moody has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 736 total births recorded, Moody remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #886 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13517 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Moody in 1893:
Moody by decade
Moody peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 29 | |
| 1890s | 28 | |
| 1900s | 43 | |
| 1910s | 162 | |
| 1920s ★ | 203 | |
| 1930s | 111 | |
| 1940s | 84 | |
| 1950s | 45 | |
| 1960s | 26 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
💎Moody has only 736 total recorded births since 1882 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Moody?
What names sound and feel like Moody?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Moody also consider these
Common questions about the name Moody
What does the name Moody mean?
Moody means "English" — a name rooted in English 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 Moody?
Moody is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Moody have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Moody?
Moody originates from English tradition. English 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 Moody?
Moody is a two-syllable name pronounced MOO-dee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Moody trending right now?
Moody is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.