Rune
- Meaning
- Secret lore; a runic character
- Origin
- English, Old Norse, Scandinavian
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What does Rune mean?
Rune means “Secret lore; a runic character”.
Rune is an established Scandinavian given name derived from Old Norse rún, associated with secret knowledge and runic writing. Runes are characters in historical Germanic alphabets, so the name connects language, inscription, and older cultural traditions. It is more than a recent English invention inspired by fantasy stories.
English speakers may also choose Rune directly from the familiar word. The two uses can differ in pronunciation: Scandinavian forms commonly have two syllables, while the English word has one. Runa is a related feminine form in Scandinavian naming, and Rúni belongs to the same older family. Knowing the intended tradition helps explain both the name’s sound and its written history.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Rune?
United States · 2025Explore how often Rune is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #1,789 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Rune
- 90 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 9.8% More than 2024
Rune over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
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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 | #1,789 | 90 |
| 2025 | Girls | #4,734 | 29 |
| 2024 | Boys | #1,933 | 82 |
| 2024 | Girls | #6,119 | 20 |
| 2023 | Boys | #2,288 | 62 |
| 2023 | Girls | #6,365 | 19 |
| 2022 | Boys | #2,235 | 65 |
| 2022 | Girls | #6,938 | 17 |
| 2021 | Boys | #3,350 | 35 |
| 2021 | Girls | #10,997 | 9 |
| 2020 | Boys | #3,331 | 34 |
| 2020 | Girls | #7,505 | 15 |
| 2019 | Boys | #3,783 | 29 |
| 2019 | Girls | #11,218 | 9 |
| 2018 | Boys | #3,159 | 37 |
| 2018 | Girls | #12,288 | 8 |
| 2017 | Boys | #4,209 | 25 |
| 2016 | Boys | #5,099 | 19 |
| 2015 | Boys | #4,521 | 22 |
| 2015 | Girls | #14,227 | 7 |
| 2014 | Boys | #4,829 | 20 |
| 2014 | Girls | #18,704 | 5 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Rune
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Runa
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Secret; rune, in the Nordic name tradition
Listed as a related name to Rune.
Avery
Unisex- Meaning
- Ruler of the elves
Shares an origin with Rune.
Carter
Unisex- Meaning
- Transporter of goods by cart
Shares an origin with Rune.
Riley
Unisex- Meaning
- Rye clearing (English); Irish surname origin uncertain
Shares an origin with Rune.
Angel
Unisex- Meaning
- Angel; messenger
Shares an origin with Rune.
Parker
Unisex- Meaning
- Park keeper
Shares an origin with Rune.
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