Ranger
Ranger is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Forest guardian or gamekeeper.
Origin and history
Ranger is an English occupational name originally denoting a forest guardian or warden. It has seen a steady rise as a modern vocabulary given name in the United States, appealing to parents drawn to outdoor and rugged word names. While historically uncommon, its usage has increased notably in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
1,518 babies in the United States have been named Ranger since 1880. It ranks #3222 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1282.
States where it is most popular
- TX (35.6 %)
- CA (18 %)
- FL (7 %)
- OH (6.3 %)
- TN (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 5 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 63 |
| 2000-2010 | 175 |
| 2010-2019 | 592 |
| 2020-2029 | 683 |
Fun facts
- Derived from the Middle English word 'range', referring to an official tasked with patrolling a forest or parkland.
- Ranger has gained momentum in the 2020s alongside other nature and occupational names like Hunter, Archer, and Wilder.