What does Nimrod mean and where does it come from?
Nimrod is a biblical name, deriving from the Hebrew scriptures, where he is identified as a mighty hunter and a king. The first recorded use of Nimrod is found in the Book of Genesis (10:8-12). In modern usage, it can sometimes refer to someone seen as foolish or inept, primarily in American slang.
Cultural significance
Nimrod has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of נִמְרוֹד - meaning 'to rebel'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1022 in 1880 — currently #1631 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Nimrod?
Nimrod works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nimrod Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nimrod Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nimrod Mae
Sweet · timeless
Nimrod Claire
French influence · crisp
Nimrod Jane
Literary · strong
Nimrod Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nimrod right now?
Holding steady — currently #1631 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1631 | 569 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1636 | 549 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1641 | 519 | ▲ up 8531 · +8550% births |
| 2005 | #10172 | 6 | ▼ down 4233 · -33% births |
| 1995 | #5939 | 9 | ▼ down 1425 · +13% births |
| 1980 | #4514 | 8 | ▲ up 323 · +33% births |
| 1975 | #4837 | 6 | ▼ down 872 · +20% births |
| 1965 | #3965 | 5 | ▼ down 431 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #3534 | 6 | ▼ down 38 · +20% births |
| 1940 | #3496 | 5 | ▲ up 545 |
| 1930 | #4041 | 5 | ▼ down 810 · -37% births |
| 1920 | #3231 | 8 | ▼ down 125 · +14% births |
| 1915 | #3106 | 7 | ▼ down 2084 · +40% births |
| 1880 | #1022 | 5 | — |
The story of Nimrod
Nimrod has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 331 total births recorded, Nimrod remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1022 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1631 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Nimrod in 1880:
Nimrod by decade
Nimrod peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 10 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 26 | |
| 1920s ★ | 61 | |
| 1930s | 25 | |
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1950s | 16 | |
| 1960s | 22 | |
| 1970s | 50 | |
| 1980s | 37 | |
| 1990s | 32 | |
| 2000s | 31 | |
| 2010s | 6 | |
💎Nimrod has only 331 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Nimrod?
Famous people named Nimrod
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Nimrod (historical community leader)
Nimrod led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Nimrod?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nimrod also consider these
How is Nimrod written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Nimrod
What does the name Nimrod mean?
Nimrod means "נִמְרוֹד - meaning 'to rebel'" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Nimrod?
Nimrod is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Nimrod?
Nimrod originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Nimrod?
Nimrod is a two-syllable name pronounced N IH1 M R AA0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nimrod a common or rare name?
Nimrod is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.