Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ross
BoyScottish· “headland”
- Meaning
- headland
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- RAWS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,465
- US babies 2025
- 122
- Best rank
- #122 (1889)
- Peak year
- 1985
Meaning and origin of Ross
Ross is a Scottish name that means “headland”.
Ross comes from a Scottish surname that originated as a place name, from a Gaelic word meaning headland or promontory. The Ross district in the Scottish Highlands gave its name to Clan Ross. As a given name, Ross has a solid, classic feel and was widely used in Scotland and elsewhere through the twentieth century. It is short, strong and easy to spell. Ross suits parents who want a simple name with Scottish roots and a friendly character. The name pairs smoothly with longer middle names and surnames.
Popularity over time
Ross 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 133 different years. Its best national rank was #122 in 1889, and the most babies received it in 1985, when 1,884 were named Ross. In 2025, 122 babies were named Ross, and it ranked #1,465 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #230 in 1920, #236 in 1950, #230 in 1980, #434 in 2000, #923 in 2010, and #1,465 in 2025. Of the 81,872 US boys named Ross since records began, 19% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 10,462 babies. Since 2010, 2,660 more have been named Ross.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Dane, Antoine, Brenton, Darnell, and Joel.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ross ranked highest in Utah, Louisiana, and Michigan.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Ross over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ross is usually pronounced RAWS, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-ss”.
Middle names for Ross
A few middle names that flow with Ross: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ross
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Lists that include Ross
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ross mean?
Ross is a Scottish name that means “headland”.
What is the origin of the name Ross?
Ross has Scottish roots. Ross comes from a Scottish surname that originated as a place name, from a Gaelic word meaning headland or promontory.
Is Ross a popular name?
Not especially. Ross ranked #1,465 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ross a boy or girl name?
Ross is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Ross over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ross?
Ross is usually pronounced RAWS. 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