Polk

“The name 'Polk' derives from Old English, where it is thought to refer to a marshy or swamp area” — Associated with James K

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1523US 2023

677Births / yr

→Stable

80All-time births

📅 Since 188700.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Polk

POHK

/ˈpoʊk/ · stress on POHK · 1 syllable

“The name 'Polk' derives from Old English, where it is thought to refer to a marshy or swamp area”

Associated with James K · American origin

What does Polk mean and where does it come from?

The name 'Polk' derives from Old English, where it is thought to refer to a marshy or swamp area. It is primarily known as a surname, most famously associated with James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, who served from 1845 to 1849, emphasizing its significance in American history.

Cultural significance

Polk has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #878 in 1890 — currently #1523 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Polk?

Polk works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Polk Grace

How popular is Polk right now?

Holding steady — currently #1523 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1523 · Top 1.1%

1890

1915

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1523	677	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1528	657	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1533	627	▲ up 1667 · +7738% births
1925	#3200	8	▲ up 693 · +60% births
1915	#3893	5	▼ down 3015 · -29% births
1890	#878	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Polk

Best Year2023Rank #1523

Peak Count677

Average Rank#2335

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1915 - 20235 years

The story of Polk

Polk has been a beloved American name for over 137 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1887. With 80 total births recorded, Polk remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #878 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1523 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Polk in 1890:

John William James George Charles

Polk by decade

Polk peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	12
1910s ★	29
1920s	29
1950s	5

💎Polk has only 80 total recorded births since 1887 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Polk?

Common

What names sound and feel like Polk?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Polk also consider these

Holk

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Pol

Catalonia · small, humble

Polly

American · a diminutive of

Port

American · A beloved name

Polo

Spanish · Small

Colt

American · young horse

Common questions about the name Polk

What does the name Polk mean?

Polk means "English" — 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 Polk?

Polk 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 Polk?

Polk 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 Polk?

Polk is a one-syllable name pronounced P OW1 K. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Polk sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Polk flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Polk ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.