Wayne
Wayne is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Wagon maker or wagon driver.
Origin and history
Wayne originated as an English occupational surname for a wagon driver or wagon maker. It gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the mid-20th century. Today, it remains an established traditional choice, though it is less commonly given to newborns than in previous decades.
Popularity in the United States
354,818 babies in the United States have been named Wayne since 1880. It ranks #98 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #703.
States where it is most popular
- NY (6.9 %)
- PA (6.5 %)
- CA (5.9 %)
- IL (5.8 %)
- OH (4.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 283 |
| 1890-1900 | 509 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,158 |
| 1910-1920 | 11,572 |
| 1920-1930 | 26,402 |
| 1930-1940 | 41,141 |
| 1940-1950 | 75,131 |
| 1950-1960 | 88,092 |
| 1960-1970 | 54,762 |
| 1970-1980 | 24,616 |
| 1980-1990 | 14,750 |
| 1990-2000 | 7,502 |
| 2000-2010 | 3,719 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,052 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,129 |
Famous people named Wayne
- Wayne Gretzky: Ice hockey player, Sports executive
- Wayne Brady: Comedian, Actor
- Wayne Rooney: Soccer player, Soccer manager
Fun facts
- Wayne comes from the Old English word 'wægn', meaning wagon or cart, indicating a maker or driver of wagons.
- The name peaked in popularity in the U.S. during the 1940s and 1950s, consistently placing among the top male names.