What does Cross mean?
Cross means “Cross”.
Cross is an English word name with a strong Christian association through the cross as a religious symbol. It can also come through a family surname, so the personal reason for choosing it may be faith, ancestry, or both. Unlike a traditional name whose meaning is hidden in an older language, Cross makes its central image immediately recognizable in English.
The name has a single syllable and a firm consonant ending, giving it a compact sound despite the weight of its symbolism. Cruz and Croix offer related word names in other languages, though they are distinct choices rather than alternative English spellings. For a family considering Cross, the religious image is likely to be a more prominent association than the name’s physical length or style.
Nicknames & variations
No nicknames or variations are listed for Cross yet.
How popular is Cross?
United States · 2025Explore how often Cross is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #1,960 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Cross
- 78 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 39.3% More than 2024
Cross over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
Hover or tap the chart, or move the slider. You can also use the keyboard arrow keys.
Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights boys, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #1,960 | 78 |
| 2025 | Girls | #13,589 | 6 |
| 2024 | Boys | #2,448 | 56 |
| 2023 | Boys | #2,228 | 64 |
| 2022 | Boys | #2,303 | 62 |
| 2021 | Boys | #1,966 | 76 |
| 2020 | Boys | #2,215 | 62 |
| 2019 | Boys | #2,594 | 50 |
| 2018 | Boys | #3,462 | 32 |
| 2017 | Boys | #3,257 | 35 |
| 2016 | Boys | #3,795 | 28 |
| 2015 | Boys | #3,094 | 37 |
| 2014 | Boys | #2,716 | 44 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Cross
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Cruz
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Cross
Shares the recorded meaning “Cross” with Cross.
Croix
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Cross
Shares the recorded meaning “Cross” with Cross.
James
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Supplanter
Shares an origin with Cross.
Jack
Mostly boys- Meaning
- God is gracious
Shares an origin with Cross.
Hudson
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Hugh's son
Shares an origin with Cross.
Julian
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Uncertain; proposed meanings include youthful or downy-bearded
Shares an origin with Cross.
Found a few you like?
Save them, then compare up to four names in your shortlist.