West
West is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
West, directional point where the sun sets.
Origin and history
West is a directional nature name derived from the Old English word describing the cardinal direction. Historically used as a topographic surname for someone living to the west, it has gained modern popularity as a concise, stylish given name in the United States. Its recent usage reflects the broader trend of using cardinal directions and geographic terms as first names.
Popularity in the United States
3,692 babies in the United States have been named West since 1880. It ranks #2105 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1274.
States where it is most popular
- CA (44.5 %)
- TX (19 %)
- MS (8.3 %)
- GA (5 %)
- UT (3.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 128 |
| 1890-1900 | 111 |
| 1900-1910 | 112 |
| 1910-1920 | 224 |
| 1920-1930 | 254 |
| 1930-1940 | 165 |
| 1940-1950 | 153 |
| 1950-1960 | 171 |
| 1960-1970 | 151 |
| 1970-1980 | 148 |
| 1980-1990 | 166 |
| 1990-2000 | 173 |
| 2000-2010 | 311 |
| 2010-2019 | 733 |
| 2020-2029 | 692 |
Fun facts
- Before its adoption as a given name, West was used to describe someone who lived to the west of a settlement.
- Along with North and Easton, West has seen increased interest in the United States during the 21st century.