Ross is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Ruadh," which means "red." This name was likely bestowed upon individuals with red hair or a reddish complexion in ancient Scotland.
The name Ross has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including Rosslyn Chapel founder Sir William St Clair (1324-1380), and the 16th-century Scottish poet Alexander Ross. However, it was not until the 19th century that Ross began to gain significant popularity as a given name in English-speaking countries.
Today, Ross is considered a classic yet unpretentious masculine name, often associated with strength, courage, and Scottish heritage. Despite its Scottish origins, Ross has been adopted by various cultures around the world, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a timeless, international name for their sons.
The name Ross has been a popular choice for newborns in the United States over the past century and a half, with fluctuations in popularity over time.
From 1880 to around 1954, the number of babies named Ross hovered between approximately 70 and 1,000 births per year. The peak during this period was reached in 1954 with 999 births.
However, after 1954, the popularity of the name Ross began to decline steadily. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the number of annual Ross births dropped below 800, reaching a low of 667 in 1999.
Despite this decline, Ross remained relatively popular throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. Between 1977 and 2000, there were over 500 babies named Ross born each year on average.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Ross has continued to decrease. From 2001 onwards, the number of annual Ross births fell below 400, reaching an all-time low of 115 in 2023.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, a total of 81,610 babies were named Ross in the United States. Despite its waning popularity in recent years, Ross remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history.