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Gordon

♂ Boy

Pronounced GOR-dun /ˈɡɔːr.dən/High

Meaning: Great hill; spacious fort; from Scots Gaelic Gordan, from a Berwickshire place name, possibly from Old Welsh gor (great) + din (hill fort)Medium

In 30 seconds: A Scottish surname meaning 'great hill' or 'spacious fort,' from a Berwickshire place name. Associated with Gordon Ramsay, Gordon Lightfoot, and the Blue Peter dog — a classic name carrying Scottish aristocratic weight.

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Origin MediumScottish

MeaningGreat hill; spacious fort; from Scots Gaelic Gordan, from a Berwickshire place name, possibly from Old Welsh gor (great) + din (hill fort)

U.S. rank (2025)#1052 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births209 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1952

Total births (all-time)≈ 154,906

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gordon is a Scottish clan surname from a place in Berwickshire, Scotland. The etymology is uncertain but may combine Old Welsh gor (great) with din (hill fort, fortified settlement). The Gordon clan became one of Scotland's most powerful.

Gordon peaked in the U.S. in the 1940s–1960s and has declined. It ranked #1089 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Gordon Ramsay's relentless pursuit of culinary perfection on Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef has made Gordon a name synonymous with exacting standards — though his actual temperament is reportedly much warmer than his TV persona suggests.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Gordon — Scottish etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Gordan

Nicknames

GordieGordo

Famous Bearers

★Gordon Ramsay (1966–present)
British chef, restaurateur, and TV personality. Known for Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef. Holds multiple Michelin stars.

If you like Gordon…

Graham— Scottish surname name with the same quiet Highland dignity

Gavin— Scottish/Welsh surname name with the same Celtic heritage

Callum— Scottish Gaelic name with the same crisp Scottish quality

Grant— Scottish clan surname name with the same aristocratic Scottish feel

Explore names like Gordon

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gordon mean?

Gordon means 'great hill' or 'spacious fort,' from a Scottish place name, possibly from Old Welsh gor (great) and din (hill fort).

How do you pronounce Gordon?

It's said GOR-dun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Gordon a boy or girl name?

Gordon is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Gordon?

Gordon ranked #1089 for U.S. boys in 2024.