Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Channing
UnisexEnglish, Irish· “from an English surname of uncertain origin”
- Meaning
- from an English surname of uncertain origin (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Irish
- Pronunciation
- CHA-nihng
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,772
- US babies 2025
- 91
- Best rank
- #515 (2012)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Channing
Channing is often said to mean “from an English surname of uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Irish roots.
Channing is an English surname whose origin is uncertain. It may derive from an Irish surname, from a personal name, or from a place, and sources differ. In the United States the surname was made prominent by William Ellery Channing, the influential Unitarian preacher of the early nineteenth century. As a given name Channing has a smooth, preppy sound and is used for both boys and girls. The actor Channing Tatum brought it wider attention. Chan is a possible nickname, and the name pairs well with simple middle names.
Popularity over time
Channing first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 16 different years, starting in 1985. Its best national rank was #515 in 2012, the same year it reached its highest count of 512 babies. In 2025, 91 babies were named Channing, and it ranked #1,772 nationally. That is 70% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,152 in 1920, #2,606 in 1950, #1,571 in 1980, #2,054 in 2000, #645 in 2010, and #1,772 in 2025. Of the 7,296 US boys named Channing since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 814 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Semaj, Tegan, Braylin, Jael, and Taylin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Channing ranked highest in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #539 | 5 |
| Alabama | #631 | 7 |
| Georgia | #862 | 10 |
| New York | #1607 | 6 |
| Florida | #1889 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Channing is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 32% of US babies named Channing were girls and 68% were boys.
Channing is usually pronounced CHA-nihng, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with C and ends in “-ng”.
Middle names for Channing
A few middle names that flow with Channing: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Channing
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Lists that include Channing
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Channing mean?
Channing is often said to mean “from an English surname of uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Channing?
Channing has English and Irish roots. Channing is an English surname whose origin is uncertain.
Is Channing a popular name?
Not especially. Channing ranked #1,772 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Channing a boy or girl name?
Channing is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 32% of US babies named Channing were girls and 68% were boys.
How do you pronounce Channing?
Channing is usually pronounced CHA-nihng. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings