Napoleon
Napoleon is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Lion of the new city, or person from Naples.
Origin and history
Napoleon is a name of Greek and Italian origin, historically derived from elements meaning 'lion of the new city' or associated with the region of Naples. It became widely famous globally due to the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. In the United States, it has been used consistently since the 19th century as a distinctive, classic choice, though it remains relatively uncommon today.
Popularity in the United States
7,805 babies in the United States have been named Napoleon since 1880. It ranks #1372 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1844.
States where it is most popular
- AL (13.7 %)
- TX (13 %)
- GA (12 %)
- NC (9.8 %)
- MS (9.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 267 |
| 1890-1900 | 227 |
| 1900-1910 | 239 |
| 1910-1920 | 797 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,036 |
| 1930-1940 | 798 |
| 1940-1950 | 703 |
| 1950-1960 | 899 |
| 1960-1970 | 795 |
| 1970-1980 | 525 |
| 1980-1990 | 532 |
| 1990-2000 | 388 |
| 2000-2010 | 312 |
| 2010-2019 | 204 |
| 2020-2029 | 83 |
Famous people named Napoleon
- Napoleon Bonaparte: Emperor, Military Commander
- Napoleon McCallum: Athlete, Football Player
- Napoleon Kaufman: Athlete, Pastor
Nicknames
Napo, Nap
Fun facts
- The name's enduring global fame stems from Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor who shaped European history.
- The name appears in classic literature such as George Orwell's Animal Farm and modern media like the cult film Napoleon Dynamite.