Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Dustin
BoyEnglish, Old Norse· “from a surname, perhaps 'Thor's stone'”
- Meaning
- from a surname, perhaps 'Thor's stone' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Old Norse
- Pronunciation
- DUHS-tihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #729
- US babies 2025
- 365
- Best rank
- #41 (1984)
- Peak year
- 1985
Meaning and origin of Dustin
Dustin is often said to mean “from a surname, perhaps 'Thor's stone'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Old Norse roots.
Dustin comes from an English surname whose origin is not certain. A common explanation traces it to the Old Norse name Thorsteinn, meaning Thor's stone, through Norman forms such as Turstin, though this link is debated. As a first name Dustin took off in the United States in the late twentieth century, helped by actor Dustin Hoffman. It has a friendly, easygoing sound with a slightly retro feel today. Dusty is the natural nickname, and the name pairs well with both traditional and modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Dustin first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 58 different years, starting in 1968. Its best national rank was #41 in 1984, and the most babies received it in 1985, when 10,439 were named Dustin. In 2025, 365 babies were named Dustin, and it ranked #729 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,286 in 1920, #1,625 in 1950, #44 in 1980, #148 in 2000, #353 in 2010, and #729 in 2025. Of the 208,341 US boys named Dustin since records began, 47% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 56,768 babies. Since 2010, 8,976 more have been named Dustin.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Bryan, Marcus, Brett, Joel, and Adam.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dustin ranked highest in Montana, West Virginia, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #245 | 5 |
| West Virginia | #312 | 6 |
| Mississippi | #344 | 9 |
| Kentucky | #412 | 12 |
| Connecticut | #456 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Dustin is usually pronounced DUHS-tihn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Dustin
A few middle names that flow with Dustin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dustin
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Lists that include Dustin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dustin mean?
Dustin is often said to mean “from a surname, perhaps 'Thor's stone'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Old Norse roots.
What is the origin of the name Dustin?
Dustin has English and Old Norse roots. Dustin comes from an English surname whose origin is not certain.
Is Dustin a popular name?
Yes. Dustin ranked #729 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Dustin a boy or girl name?
Dustin is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Dustin?
Dustin is usually pronounced DUHS-tihn. 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