What does Moses mean and where does it come from?
Moses is traditionally a male name originating from the Hebrew name Moshe (מֹשֶׁה). In the biblical context, Moses was a prophet and leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt. Though it is primarily a male name, some modern usages see Moses as a given name for females. This may be influenced by a t
Cultural significance
Moses has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of מאשה (moshe).
Peak popularity
Reached #500 in 2024 — currently #515 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Moses?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Moses?
Moses works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Moses Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Moses John
One syllable · timeless choice
Moses Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Moses Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Moses Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Moses Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Moses right now?
Declining — down 15 spots — currently #515 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #515 | 583 | ▼ down 15 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #500 | 612 | ▲ up 47 · +14% births |
| 2023 | #547 | 536 | ▼ down 33 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #514 | 577 | ▼ down 2 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #512 | 572 | ▲ up 2860 · +6256% births |
| 1925 | #3372 | 9 | — |
The story of Moses
Moses entered American naming records in 1925 and has been in use for over 99 years. A total of 40,340 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3372 in 1925 to #547 in 2023. Moses is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Moses in 2024:
Moses by decade
Moses peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 859 | |
| 1890s | 751 | |
| 1900s | 847 | |
| 1910s | 2,591 | |
| 1920s | 3,534 | |
| 1930s | 2,721 | |
| 1940s | 2,777 | |
| 1950s | 2,780 | |
| 1960s | 2,105 | |
| 1970s | 2,793 | |
| 1980s | 3,280 | |
| 1990s | 3,623 | |
| 2000s | 5,358 | |
| 2010s ★ | 5,741 | |
| 2020s | 1,781 | |
What are good nicknames for Moses?
What names sound and feel like Moses?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Moses also consider these
How is Moses written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Moses
What does the name Moses mean?
Moses means "מאשה (Moshe)" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Moses?
Moses is currently ranked #547 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Moses?
Moses originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Moses?
Moses is a two-syllable name pronounced MOH-zus. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Moses more of a girl or boy name?
Moses is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.