Major: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: The name Major soared from the 1638 position in 2008 to the top 500 names between 2012 and 2022.

Major Overview

Meaning

Greater, a military rank

Gender

Boy

Origin

Latin

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word “maior,” meaning “greater” or “superior,” and commonly associated with the military rank of Major.

Religion

Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism

Pronunciation

/ˈmeɪdʒər/

Popularity

The name Major has seen varied popularity in the United States, with a notable increase from 2008 to 2013. In 2023, Major resigned at the #514 spot for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Cool, Edgy, Unique

Associated Traits

Strong, authoritative, bold, charismatic

Major Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Majer, Mayjor, Maajor, Majar, Majore, Majur, Majorr, Majour, Maijor, Mager

Common Nicknames

Maj, Majo, Jor, MJ, Mage, Jory, M, Majorly, Maji, Majojo

Diminutives

Majo, Majie, Majy, Majy-boy, Majorito, Majito, Majorlet, Majory, Majyk, Majie-pie

Famous People

Major Harris
(American R&B Singer)
Major Taylor
(American Cyclist)
Major Applewhite
(American Football Coach)
Major Dodson
(American Actor)
Major Wright
(American Football Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Major Motoko Kusanagi
("Ghost in the Shell," Film)
"Major Payne"
(1995 Film)
Major Major Major Major
("Catch-22," Novel)
Major Chip Hazard
("Small Soldiers," Film)
Major Don West
("Lost in Space," TV Series)

Places

Major Community
(Kentucky, USA)
Major Town
(Georgia, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Major?

Major means “greater” and refers to a military rank, signifying importance and leadership.

What Is the Origin of The Name Major?

The name Major has Latin roots, where it means “greater.”

Major Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Major in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#4122021	#4412022	#5142023
Top 3 Rankings	#2441881	#2441889	#2501887

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Major

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	514 (-73 from 2022)	576 (-126 from 2022)	0.03146
2022	441 (-29 from 2021)	702 (-53 from 2021)	0.03748
2021	412 (-63 from 2020)	755 (-154 from 2020)	0.04030
2020	349 (+1 from 2019)	909 (-39 from 2019)	0.04914
2019	350 (-1 from 2018)	948 (+4 from 2018)	0.04933
2018	349 (-19 from 2017)	944 (-97 from 2017)	0.04857
2017	330 (+18 from 2016)	1041 (+53 from 2016)	0.05260
2016	348 (+13 from 2015)	988 (+76 from 2015)	0.04877
2015	361 (-11 from 2014)	912 (-20 from 2014)	0.04461
2014	350 (+16 from 2013)	932 (+79 from 2013)	0.04548
2013	366 (+120 from 2012)	853 (+297 from 2012)	0.04221
2012	486 (+504 from 2011)	556 (+359 from 2011)	0.02740
2011	990 (-112 from 2010)	197 (-41 from 2010)	0.00970
2010	878 (+167 from 2009)	238 (+56 from 2009)	0.01158
2009	1045 (+647 from 2008)	182 (+92 from 2008)	0.00858
2008	1692 (-54 from 2007)	90 (-4 from 2007)	0.00413
2007	1638 (+60 from 2006)	94 (+11 from 2006)	0.00424
2006	1698 (+74 from 2005)	83 (+9 from 2005)	0.00379
2005	1772 (-71 from 2004)	74 (-1 from 2004)	0.00348
2004	1701 (+169 from 2003)	75 (+12 from 2003)	0.00355
2003	1870 (-299 from 2002)	63 (-15 from 2002)	0.00300
2002	1571 (+28 from 2001)	78 (+4 from 2001)	0.00377
2001	1599 (+296 from 2000)	74 (+19 from 2000)	0.00358
2000	1895 (+713 from 1999)	55 (+22 from 1999)	0.00263
1999	2608 (-214 from 1998)	33 (-3 from 1998)	0.00162
1998	2394 (-193 from 1997)	36 (-3 from 1997)	0.00178
1997	2201 (+53 from 1996)	39 (+3 from 1996)	0.00195
1996	2254 (-299 from 1995)	36 (-7 from 1995)	0.00180
1995	1955 (-105 from 1994)	43 (-3 from 1994)	0.00214
1994	1850 (-250 from 1993)	46 (-10 from 1993)	0.00226
1993	1600 (+150 from 1992)	56 (+8 from 1992)	0.00271
1992	1750 (-118 from 1991)	48 (-3 from 1991)	0.00229
1991	1632 (-212 from 1990)	51 (-11 from 1990)	0.00241
1990	1420 (-152 from 1989)	62 (-11 from 1989)	0.00288
1989	1268 (+61 from 1988)	73 (+13 from 1988)	0.00348
1988	1329 (+257 from 1987)	60 (+16 from 1987)	0.00300
1987	1586 (-202 from 1986)	44 (-7 from 1986)	0.00226
1986	1384 (+229 from 1985)	51 (+12 from 1985)	0.00265
1985	1613 (-348 from 1984)	39 (-14 from 1984)	0.00203
1984	1265 (+96 from 1983)	53 (+6 from 1983)	0.00282
1983	1361 (-51 from 1982)	47 (-4 from 1982)	0.00252
1982	1310 (-215 from 1981)	51 (-18 from 1981)	0.00270
1981	1095 (+30 from 1980)	69 (+4 from 1980)	0.00370
1980	1125 (+68 from 1979)	65 (+7 from 1979)	0.00350
1979	1193 (+21 from 1978)	58 (+4 from 1978)	0.00324
1978	1214 (+38 from 1977)	54 (+4 from 1977)	0.00316
1977	1252 (+52 from 1976)	50 (+4 from 1976)	0.00293
1976	1304 (-113 from 1975)	46 (-4 from 1975)	0.00282
1975	1191 (-118 from 1974)	50 (-9 from 1974)	0.00308
1974	1073 (-19 from 1973)	59 No change from 1973	0.00362
1973	1054 (+15 from 1972)	59 (+2 from 1972)	0.00366
1972	1069 (-79 from 1971)	57 (-10 from 1971)	0.00340
1971	990 (-50 from 1970)	67 (-5 from 1970)	0.00369
1970	940 (-24 from 1969)	72 (+3 from 1969)	0.00378
1969	916 (+80 from 1968)	69 (+14 from 1968)	0.00377
1968	996 (-130 from 1967)	55 (-13 from 1967)	0.00310
1967	866 (+94 from 1966)	68 (+11 from 1966)	0.00382
1966	960 (-133 from 1965)	57 (-22 from 1965)	0.00314
1965	827 (+5 from 1964)	79 (-4 from 1964)	0.00417
1964	832 (+23 from 1963)	83 (+6 from 1963)	0.00409
1963	855 (+70 from 1962)	77 (+10 from 1962)	0.00373
1962	925 (+15 from 1961)	67 (+1 from 1961)	0.00319
1961	940 (-43 from 1960)	66 (-5 from 1960)	0.00306
1960	897 (-150 from 1959)	71 (-34 from 1959)	0.00328
1959	747 No change from 1958	105 (+8 from 1958)	0.00485
1958	747 (+4 from 1957)	97 (-3 from 1957)	0.00450
1957	751 (-14 from 1956)	100 (+1 from 1956)	0.00457
1956	737 (-15 from 1955)	99 (-3 from 1955)	0.00461
1955	722 (-38 from 1954)	102 (-9 from 1954)	0.00488
1954	684 (-27 from 1953)	111 (-5 from 1953)	0.00536
1953	657 (-12 from 1952)	116 No change from 1952	0.00579
1952	645 (-44 from 1951)	116 (-18 from 1951)	0.00588
1951	601 (-15 from 1950)	134 No change from 1950	0.00701
1950	586 (+70 from 1949)	134 (+24 from 1949)	0.00737
1949	656 (-39 from 1948)	110 (-10 from 1948)	0.00610
1948	617 (+1 from 1947)	120 (-1 from 1947)	0.00673
1947	618 (+1 from 1946)	121 (+13 from 1946)	0.00651
1946	619 (-75 from 1945)	108 (-13 from 1945)	0.00654
1945	544 (-8 from 1944)	121 (-8 from 1944)	0.00882
1944	536 (+29 from 1943)	129 (+3 from 1943)	0.00929
1943	565 (-9 from 1942)	126 (+4 from 1942)	0.00866
1942	556 (+80 from 1941)	122 (+30 from 1941)	0.00866
1941	636 (-123 from 1940)	92 (-35 from 1940)	0.00733
1940	513 (+50 from 1939)	127 (+24 from 1939)	0.01071
1939	563 (+34 from 1938)	103 (+5 from 1938)	0.00909
1938	597 (+3 from 1937)	98 (+5 from 1937)	0.00862
1937	600 (-34 from 1936)	93 (-10 from 1936)	0.00850
1936	566 (+58 from 1935)	103 (+14 from 1935)	0.00968
1935	624 (-18 from 1934)	89 (-6 from 1934)	0.00832
1934	606 (-51 from 1933)	95 (-12 from 1933)	0.00895
1933	555 (-40 from 1932)	107 (-18 from 1932)	0.01049
1932	515 (+90 from 1931)	125 (+30 from 1931)	0.01163
1931	605 (-106 from 1930)	95 (-48 from 1930)	0.00888
1930	499 (+28 from 1929)	143 (+21 from 1929)	0.01266
1929	527 (-34 from 1928)	122 (-28 from 1928)	0.01101
1928	493 (+9 from 1927)	150 (+5 from 1927)	0.01314
1927	502 (-6 from 1926)	145 (-2 from 1926)	0.01248
1926	496 (+81 from 1925)	147 (+31 from 1925)	0.01283
1925	577 (-65 from 1924)	116 (-34 from 1924)	0.01007
1924	512 (+44 from 1923)	150 (+26 from 1923)	0.01283
1923	556 (-54 from 1922)	124 (-27 from 1922)	0.01095
1922	502 (-19 from 1921)	151 (-11 from 1921)	0.01342
1921	483 (-14 from 1920)	162 (-7 from 1920)	0.01424
1920	469 (-34 from 1919)	169 (-14 from 1919)	0.01535
1919	435 (+45 from 1918)	183 (+30 from 1918)	0.01802
1918	480 (-33 from 1917)	153 (-6 from 1917)	0.01459
1917	447 (+53 from 1916)	159 (+29 from 1916)	0.01657
1916	500 (-55 from 1915)	130 (-21 from 1915)	0.01408
1915	445 (+17 from 1914)	151 (+42 from 1914)	0.01714
1914	462 (-32 from 1913)	109 (+11 from 1913)	0.01595
1913	430 (+44 from 1912)	98 (+30 from 1912)	0.01828
1912	474 (-70 from 1911)	68 (+18 from 1911)	0.01506
1911	404 (-21 from 1910)	50 (+4 from 1910)	0.02071
1910	383 (-62 from 1909)	46 (-5 from 1909)	0.02206
1909	321 (+53 from 1908)	51 (+13 from 1908)	0.02884
1908	374 (+43 from 1907)	38 (+8 from 1907)	0.02284
1907	417 (-87 from 1906)	30 (-9 from 1906)	0.01892
1906	330 (-27 from 1905)	39 (-5 from 1905)	0.02707
1905	303 (+57 from 1904)	44 (+13 from 1904)	0.03072
1904	360 (-48 from 1903)	31 (-5 from 1903)	0.02238
1903	312 (-35 from 1902)	36 (-10 from 1902)	0.02784
1902	277 (+122 from 1901)	46 (+24 from 1901)	0.03465
1901	399 (-109 from 1900)	22 (-29 from 1900)	0.01903
1900	290 (-33 from 1899)	51 (+9 from 1899)	0.03146
1899	257 (+22 from 1898)	42 No change from 1898	0.03646
1898	279 (+9 from 1897)	42 (+3 from 1897)	0.03179
1897	288 (-6 from 1896)	39 (-3 from 1896)	0.03198
1896	282 (+28 from 1895)	42 (+8 from 1895)	0.03254
1895	310 (-21 from 1894)	34 (-3 from 1894)	0.02685
1894	289 (-16 from 1893)	37 (-4 from 1893)	0.02963
1893	273 (+11 from 1892)	41 No change from 1892	0.03387
1892	284 (-7 from 1891)	41 (+7 from 1891)	0.03119
1891	277 (+58 from 1890)	34 (+7 from 1890)	0.03112
1890	335 (-91 from 1889)	27 (-17 from 1889)	0.02256
1889	244 (+45 from 1888)	44 (+7 from 1888)	0.03696
1888	289 (-39 from 1887)	37 (-3 from 1887)	0.02848
1887	250 (+59 from 1886)	40 (+9 from 1886)	0.03659
1886	309 (-35 from 1885)	31 (-6 from 1885)	0.02604
1885	274 (+14 from 1884)	37 (+1 from 1884)	0.03191
1884	288 (-29 from 1883)	36 (-5 from 1883)	0.02933
1883	259 (-1 from 1882)	41 (-3 from 1882)	0.03645
1882	258 (-14 from 1881)	44 (+4 from 1881)	0.03606
1881	244 (+76 from 1880)	40 (+12 from 1880)	0.03694
1880	320 First SSA data recorded	28 First SSA data recorded	0.02365

American States Popularity Rankings for Major

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

#4742021

#4292022

#4812023

Georgia (GA)

#2002021

#2382022

#2532023

North Carolina (NC)

#3082021

#3802022

#3022023

Florida (FL)

#3032021

#3492022

#4802023

Alabama (AL)

#2822021

#2382022

#3032023

Mississippi (MS)

#1792021

#2002022

#1632023

California (CA)

#6782021

#6442022

#7042023

South Carolina (SC)

#2442021

#1672022

#3412023

Virginia (VA)

#3312021

#4772022

#6112023

Tennessee (TN)

#2922021

#2562022

#2472023

Louisiana (LA)

#2552021

#3342022

#2742023

Ohio (OH)

#3602021

#3642022

#4372023

Illinois (IL)

#3652021

#4552022

#6872023

New York (NY)

#5622021

#7312022

#9412023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#4032021

#4412022

#5732023

Michigan (MI)

#3552021

#3312022

#6242023

Arkansas (AR)

#2652021

#3102022

#3142023

Missouri (MO)

#3702021

#4102022

#3972023

Indiana (IN)

#3722021

#3652022

#6292023

Oklahoma (OK)

#4212021

#3622022

#5392023

Maryland (MD)

#3382021

#3382022

#4722023

New Jersey (NJ)

#4992021

#7852022

#7342023

Wisconsin (WI)

#5792021

#5942022

#4042023

Kentucky (KY)

#5602021

#5752022

#5222023

Arizona (AZ)

#9552020

#6172021

#6612022

Minnesota (MN)

#6342020

#6882021

#6292023

Washington (WA)

#4852019

#10432020

#7802022

Nevada (NV)

#4292021

#3552022

#3092023

Kansas (KS)

#3702018

#6212019

#3422020

Colorado (CO)

#7542018

#4982019

#7622020

Iowa (IA)

#6272021

#6302022

#6192023

District of Columbia (DC)

#1932020

#1322021

#2352022

Massachusetts (MA)

#5042020

#5742021

#8342023

Utah (UT)

#6372019

#7302020

#7402021

Connecticut (CT)

#3532020

#5462021

#5602022

Nebraska (NE)

#4122014

#4212016

#4702021

Oregon (OR)

#5292014

#5842018

#6432020

Delaware (DE)

#1942017

#1932022

Popularity Rankings for Major in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#11922017

#13462019

#14372021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Major a Name for Boys or Girls?

The name Major has been primarily used for boys, given its association with military.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Major

Majer
Mayjor
Maajor
Majar
Majore
Majur
Majorr
Majour
Maijor
Mager

Maj
Majo
Jor
MJ
Mage
Jory
M
Majorly
Maji
Majojo

Majo
Majie
Majy
Majy-boy
Majorito
Majito
Majorlet
Majory
Majyk
Majie-pie

Major in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Major Harris (R&B Singer, 1947–2012): An American R&B singer best known for his hit song "Love Won't Let Me Wait."
Major Taylor (Cyclist, 1878–1932): An American professional cyclist who became the first African American world champion in cycling.
Major Applewhite (Football Coach, 1978): An American football coach and former player who has served as head coach for the University of Houston.
Major Dodson (Actor, 2003): An American actor recognized for his roles in "The Walking Dead" and "American Horror Story."
Major Wright (Football Player, 1988): A former NFL safety who played for the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Major Motoko Kusanagi ("Ghost in the Shell," 1995 Film): A cybernetic government agent in a dystopian future who fights cyber-terrorism.
Major Payne ("Major Payne," 1995 Film): A tough Marine officer turned JROTC instructor who uses military discipline to shape up a group of misfit kids.
Major Major Major Major ("Catch-22," 1961 Novel): A character in Joseph Heller's satirical novel who is promoted to Major as a joke.
Major Chip Hazard ("Small Soldiers," 1998 Film): The leader of the Commando Elite action figures who come to life and wage war.
Major Don West ("Lost in Space," 1965 TV Series): The pilot of the Jupiter 2 spacecraft in this classic sci-fi series.

Major Community (Kentucky, USA): A quaint area in Kentucky, notable for its peaceful environment and friendly residents.
Major Town (Georgia, USA): A small town in Georgia, known for its agricultural roots and hospitable atmosphere.

Commander
Chief
Captain
Leader
General
Duke
Meaning: Royal son, first-born son
Origin: LatinPrince
Noble
Meaning: Monarch, ruler
Origin: EnglishKing
Ruler

Sibling Names for Major

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Major Also Like

Before leaving, I sggest dropping a comment to share your experience in picking a name for your son. Be sure to share it with families looking for a unique name.

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Major Name Meaning