King
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Monarch, ruler
Origin: Old English
Popularity: Ranked #405 in 2025 with 786 babies born.
History: King derives from the Old English 'cyning,' meaning monarch or ruler. It has been used as a surname and given name in English-speaking countries, carrying obvious connotations of authority and leadership. It is associated with civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a given name it has grown in the United States, often chosen to convey noble aspirations.
Name length: 4 letters
How common is King? About 1 in 4,235 babies born in 2025 were named King, or roughly 2.2 per day in the United States.
Explore more baby names at BabyNa.me — 29,000+ names with meanings, origins, and popularity trends.
Loading name...
Frequently asked about King
What does the name King mean?
King means “Monarch, ruler” from Old English roots.
What is the origin of the name King?
King has Old English origin. The traditional meaning is “Monarch, ruler”.
How popular is King?
King ranked #405 in 2025 — given to 786 babies that year.
When was King most popular?
King peaked in 2017 with 2,694 babies registered that year.
Is King a boy or girl name?
King is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Kings in registered births are male.
Is the name King rising or falling in popularity?
King has fallen 234 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #171 in 2020 to #405 in 2025.
How long has King been recorded?
King appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.