The name Donald has reached its lowest point in popularity among American parents, according to the Social Security Administration's latest list of popular baby names. In 2025, the name fell from No. 673 in 2024 to No. 690 — its lowest ranking since records began in the 1880s. Only 395 newborns were named Donald last year, down from 408 in 2024 and 415 in 2023.
Historical Context of the Name Donald
The name peaked in 1934 when it was the sixth-most popular name for boys, with 30,408 boys (and 110 girls) named Donald. From 1923 to 1942, it remained in the Top 10, then began a slow decline. It dropped out of the Top 50 in the late 1970s and off the Top 100 in the early 1990s.
The steepest drop came in 2022, when it plunged 81 spots. Although the name saw slight bumps in 2017, 2021, and 2023, the overall trend has been downward, hitting its lowest point in 2025.
Political Names and Parental Choices
Names of presidents and vice presidents often decline during their administrations, as seen with Ronald during the Reagan era, Richard under Nixon, Gerald under Ford, and George under H.W. Bush. Lyndon got a boost in 1964 but then tanked. Nameberry editor-in-chief Sophie Kihm noted, “Today, parents make a conscious effort to avoid current presidential and vice presidential names. Some parents don’t want to be seen as endorsing a political figure through their child’s name, others worry that an elected official’s name might later be ‘ruined’ by their future actions.”
However, Kihm emphasized that the decline is likely more about aesthetics than politics. “Overall, political names are not correlated with the popularity of political figures, at least not in this day and age,” she said. “The primary reason Donald is falling in popularity is because it’s an outdated ‘grandpa’ name, rather than his low approval ratings.”
Expert Insights on Naming Trends
Baby name consultant Sherri Suzanne echoed this view: “Like many names of presidents, Donald is a traditional and very ubiquitous name. It is a classic that has been well used since records were kept in America. As such, it has a long history separate from Donald Trump or any famous namesake, and its popularity is more the result of style trends rather than personalities.” She pointed to other names from Donald’s peak era that have also declined, such as Richard, Ronald, and Raymond.
“However, to a generation of parents accustomed to Logan and Liam, underused classics may sound ‘fresher’ in the coming years,” Suzanne added. “Nevertheless, I think Donald will continue to decline for now like other older names. And whether it rises or falls in popularity may be more the result of style trends.”
The Rise of Barron
In contrast, the name Barron — Trump’s youngest son — has gained appeal. Baby name consultant Taylor Humphrey explained, “While choosing a name like Donald may feel a little too-on-the-nose, parents may gravitate to ‘Barron’ because it symbolizes proximity to power, wealth, influence and a certain polished image. Choosing a name like Barron signals alignment without shouting.” Whether that trend continues throughout the second Trump administration remains to be seen.
