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Summer

♀ Girl

Pronounced SUM-er /ˈsʌm.ər/High

Meaning: The warmest season of the year; from Old English <em>sumor</em>High

In 30 seconds: A bright and breezy season name from Old English, Summer evokes warmth, sunshine, and carefree days. It has been a feminine favorite in the U.S. since the 1970s, carrying an eternally cheerful, sun-kissed character.
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Origin HighEnglish
MeaningThe warmest season of the year; from Old English <em>sumor</em>
Peak year1998
Total births (all-time)≈ 76,356

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199819492017

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

History & Origin

Summer is a vocabulary name taken directly from the English word for the season, derived from Old English sumor, which shares roots with cognates in German (Sommer) and Sanskrit (sama). Season names as given names (Spring, Autumn, Winter) are an English-language phenomenon with roots in the 20th century.

Summer appeared as a given name in the U.S. in the early 20th century but gained significant traction in the 1970s and 1980s. The character Summer Roberts in the TV series The O.C. (2003–2007) gave it a pop-culture boost. It has been consistently popular in the U.S. top 200 girls' names.

Did you know? Summer as a given name gained a major cultural boost from the soap opera character Summer on The Young and the Restless, first appearing in 1984.

Variations

SomerSummerlee

Nicknames

SunnySum

Famous Bearers

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If you like Summer…

Autumn— another warm, evocative season name popular for girls
June— month name with a similar warm, bright, and simple feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Summer mean?

Summer is a vocabulary name meaning the warmest season of the year, from Old English <em>sumor</em>.

How do you pronounce Summer?

Summer is pronounced SUM-er /ˈsʌm.ər/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Summer a boy or girl name?

Summer is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Summer?

Summer has been a consistent presence in the U.S. top 200 girls' names since the 1970s.