Dexter
Dexter: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdɛkstɚ/
Meaning and origin of Dexter
Root meaning: “right (handed)”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
Variant of Dyster. Also partially from Latin dexter (“right (handed)”).
How popular is Dexter?
Since 1880, 218 girls and 36,582 boys in the U.S. have been named Dexter (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1885 in 1907. Its highest rank for boys was #262 in 1968. In 2025 it ranked #693 for boys, with 393 babies given the name.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Dexter
Sister and brother names that share Dexter's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Dexter FAQ
What does the name Dexter mean?
Dexter traces back to a root meaning "right (handed)". A male given name transferred from the surname. Variant of Dyster. Also partially from Latin dexter (“right (handed)”).
What is the origin of the name Dexter?
Dexter is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Dexter?
Since 1880, 218 girls and 36,582 boys in the U.S. have been named Dexter (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1885 in 1907. Its highest rank for boys was #262 in 1968. In 2025 it ranked #693 for boys, with 393 babies given the name.
Is Dexter a boy or girl name?
Dexter is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 218 girls and 36,582 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.