Major

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAY-jer /ˈmeɪ.dʒər/High

Meaning: From the Latin comparative adjective maior meaning greater or larger; used as a military rank name and later as a given name conveying greatness, importance, and leadershipHigh

In 30 seconds: A bold Latin word-name meaning greater, Major has a confident military bearing and is one of the rising rank-names in the United States, chosen by parents who want a name that says something bold.

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Origin HighLatin, English

MeaningFrom the Latin comparative adjective maior meaning greater or larger; used as a military rank name and later as a given name conveying greatness, importance, and leadership

U.S. rank (2025)#670 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births407 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 21,662

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Major comes from Latin maior, the comparative of magnus meaning great or large, meaning greater or of higher rank. As a military rank, major refers to an officer above captain and below lieutenant colonel. The word entered English via Old French and has been used as a personal name in America since the 19th century, particularly in the South.

Major has been used as a given name in the American South for generations and entered broader U.S. charts in the 21st century. It fits within a category of rank-names used as given names, alongside names like General, Sergeant, and Captain, though Major has by far been the most successfully adopted. By the 2020s Major had entered the U.S. top 200 boys' names.

Did you know? The name Major has been given to children born on significant days, during wartime by military families, and as an aspiration that their child will achieve something greater — making it one of the most explicitly optimistic word-names.

Overall data confidence 92%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Majer

Nicknames

Maj

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Major…

Ace— shares the bold, one-syllable Latin word-name energy with the same confident connotation

Ranger— fellow military/nature word-name with the same rugged American confidence

Ryder— shares the same bold, modern American energy with a similar adventurous feel

Titan— another powerful word-name with the same larger-than-life aspiration

Frequently Asked

What does the name Major mean?

Major comes from Latin maior meaning greater or of higher rank. As a rank it refers to a military officer; as a name it conveys greatness and importance.

How do you pronounce Major?

It is said MAY-jer /ˈmeɪ.dʒər/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Major a popular baby name?

Yes — Major has been climbing in the U.S. and entered the top 200 boys' names by the 2020s.

Is Major a rank name?

Yes — Major is a military rank above captain, from Latin maior meaning greater. Its use as a given name reflects both rank and aspiration.