What does Thurman mean and where does it come from?
Though traditionally a male name, Thurman has been adopted for females, particularly in the United States, signaling a shift in naming conventions. The name has historic roots and ties to the Old Norse mythology, with references to Thor, the hammer-wielding god. Notable individuals include Thurman M
Cultural significance
Thurman has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #4757 in 1928 — currently #1929 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Thurman?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Thurman?
Thurman works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Thurman Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Thurman Rose
Floral · soft ending
Thurman Mae
Sweet · timeless
Thurman Claire
French influence · crisp
Thurman Jane
Literary · strong
Thurman Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Thurman right now?
Holding steady — currently #1929 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1929 | 271 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #1934 | 251 | ▲ up 5 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #1939 | 221 | — |
The story of Thurman
Thurman entered American naming records in 1928 and has been in use for over 96 years. A total of 16,364 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1939 in 2021 to #1929 in 2023. Thurman is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Thurman in 1928:
Thurman by decade
Thurman peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 173 | |
| 1890s | 167 | |
| 1900s | 295 | |
| 1910s | 2,349 | |
| 1920s ★ | 3,211 | |
| 1930s | 2,623 | |
| 1940s | 2,559 | |
| 1950s | 1,814 | |
| 1960s | 1,288 | |
| 1970s | 754 | |
| 1980s | 488 | |
| 1990s | 361 | |
| 2000s | 172 | |
| 2010s | 101 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
What are good nicknames for Thurman?
What names sound and feel like Thurman?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Thurman also consider these
Common questions about the name Thurman
What does the name Thurman mean?
Thurman means "Old 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 Thurman?
Thurman is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Thurman?
Thurman 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 Thurman?
Thurman is a two-syllable name pronounced TH ER1 M AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Thurman a common or rare name?
Thurman is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.