What does Notorious mean and where does it come from?
The name 'Notorious' comes from the English word meaning famous or well-known, typically for a bad quality or deed. Its usage as a name is more conceptual than traditional and is often associated with notoriety or infamy. The term likely gained popularity due to pop culture references, particularly
Cultural significance
Notorious has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #6403 in 1995 — currently #13678 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Notorious?
Notorious works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Notorious Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Notorious John
One syllable · timeless choice
Notorious Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Notorious Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Notorious Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Notorious Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Notorious right now?
Falling — down 4177 spots — currently #13678 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #13678 | 5 | ▼ down 4177 · -37% births |
| 2023 | #9501 | 8 | ▼ down 1508 · -20% births |
| 2021 | #7993 | 10 | ▼ down 1590 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #6403 | 9 | — |
The story of Notorious
Notorious is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1995. With 51 total births recorded, Notorious remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6403 in 1995, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9501 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Notorious in 1995:
Notorious by decade
Notorious peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s ★ | 24 | |
| 2000s | 22 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Notorious has only 51 total recorded births since 1995 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Notorious?
What names sound and feel like Notorious?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Notorious also consider these
Common questions about the name Notorious
What does the name Notorious mean?
Notorious means "A beloved name with deep roots" — 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 Notorious?
Notorious is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Notorious?
Notorious 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 Notorious?
Notorious is a four-syllable name pronounced noh-TAW-ree-us. 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 Notorious?
Notorious pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.