Algernon
Algernon: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Algernon
Root meaning: “having mustaches”
- A male given name from French.
Etymology
From Old French als gernons (“having mustaches”), from als (contraction of a and les) + gernon, variant of grenon (“mustache”), from Vulgar Latin *granonem (“facial hair, mustache”), from Proto-Germanic *granō (“awn, beard-hair, hair-tips, mustache”), related to Old High German grana, granu (“mustache”), Old Norse grǫn (“mustache, (upper) lip”), Old English granu (“mustache”). Mustaches were often a prominent cultural component for men of some early medieval Germanic societies (contrary to popular culture, beards were uncommon), whence the name originates from. However, the particular distinction owing this name vis-a-vis other families is unclear.
How popular is Algernon?
Since 1880, 985 boys in the U.S. have been named Algernon. Its highest rank for boys was #965 in 1886. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
More French boy names
Sibling name ideas for Algernon
Sister and brother names that share Algernon's French roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Algernon FAQ
What does the name Algernon mean?
Algernon traces back to a root meaning "having mustaches". A male given name from French. From Old French als gernons (“having mustaches”), from als (contraction of a and les) + gernon, variant of grenon (“mustache”), from Vulgar Latin *granonem (“facial hair, mustache”), from Proto-Germanic *granō (“awn, beard-hair, hair-tips, mustache”), related to Old High German grana, granu (“mustache”), Old Norse grǫn (“mustache, (upper) lip”), Old English granu (“mustache”). Mustaches were often a prominent cultural component for men of some early medieval Germanic societies (contrary to popular culture, beards were uncommon), whence the name originates from. However, the particular distinction owing this name vis-a-vis other families is unclear.
What is the origin of the name Algernon?
Algernon is listed as a name of French origin.
How popular is the name Algernon?
Since 1880, 985 boys in the U.S. have been named Algernon. Its highest rank for boys was #965 in 1886. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Is Algernon a boy or girl name?
Algernon is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 985 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.