Ramsey

Ramsey: name meaning, origin and popularity

Unisex nameEnglish origin

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɹæmzi/

Meaning and origin of Ramsey

Root meaning: “wild garlic”

  • A male given name transferred from the surname.

Etymology

From Old English hramsa (“wild garlic”) + īeġ (“island”).

How popular is Ramsey?

154U.S. babies in 2025
#849peak rank (1980)
8,861babies since 1880

Since 1880, 2,259 girls and 6,602 boys in the U.S. have been named Ramsey (25% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1728 in 2021. Its highest rank for boys was #849 in 1980. In 2025, 154 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

18801920196020002025265 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Ramsey

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

More English unisex names

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Sibling name ideas for Ramsey

Sister and brother names that share Ramsey's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Ramsey FAQ

What does the name Ramsey mean?

Ramsey traces back to a root meaning "wild garlic". A male given name transferred from the surname. From Old English hramsa (“wild garlic”) + īeġ (“island”).

What is the origin of the name Ramsey?

Ramsey is listed as a name of English origin.

How popular is the name Ramsey?

Since 1880, 2,259 girls and 6,602 boys in the U.S. have been named Ramsey (25% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1728 in 2021. Its highest rank for boys was #849 in 1980. In 2025, 154 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

Is Ramsey a boy or girl name?

Ramsey is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (2,259 girls and 6,602 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.