Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Gordon
BoyScottish· “possibly spacious fort”
- Meaning
- possibly spacious fort
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- GAWR-duhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,052
- US babies 2025
- 209
- Best rank
- #70 (1935)
- Peak year
- 1952
Meaning and origin of Gordon
Gordon is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “possibly spacious fort”.
Gordon comes from a Scottish place name in Berwickshire, which gave its name to the powerful Clan Gordon. The meaning is uncertain, but it is often traced to Celtic words suggesting "spacious fort" or "great hill." The clan's prominence made the surname widespread, and it became a given name in the nineteenth century, partly in honor of General Charles Gordon, who died at Khartoum. Gordon has a sturdy, classic sound with a mid-century feel. Gordie and Gord are traditional nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Gorden, Gordan.
Popularity over time
Gordon has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 139 different years. Its best national rank was #70 in 1935, and the most babies received it in 1952, when 2,829 were named Gordon. In 2025, 209 babies were named Gordon, and it ranked #1,052 nationally. That is 25% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #85 in 1920, #108 in 1950, #345 in 1980, #641 in 2000, #1,076 in 2010, and #1,052 in 2025. Of the 154,909 US boys named Gordon since records began, 17% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 25,622 babies. Since 2010, 3,616 more have been named Gordon.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Dwight, Lee, Randolph, Donnie, and Rex.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gordon ranked highest in Minnesota, Nebraska, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #431 | 13 |
| Nebraska | #465 | 5 |
| Michigan | #582 | 14 |
| Massachusetts | #647 | 7 |
| Wisconsin | #648 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gordon is usually pronounced GAWR-duhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with G and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Gorden and Gordan.
Middle names for Gordon
A few middle names that flow with Gordon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gordon
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Lists that include Gordon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gordon mean?
Gordon is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “possibly spacious fort”.
What is the origin of the name Gordon?
Gordon has Scottish roots. Gordon comes from a Scottish place name in Berwickshire, which gave its name to the powerful Clan Gordon.
Is Gordon a popular name?
Not especially. Gordon ranked #1,052 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Gordon a boy or girl name?
Gordon is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gordon?
Gordon is usually pronounced GAWR-duhn. 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