Usher

♂ Boy

Pronounced USH-er /ˈʌʃ.ər/High

Meaning: Doorkeeper; gatekeeper; from Old French ussier (doorkeeper, usher), from Latin ostiarius (gatekeeper, from ostium: door)High

In 30 seconds: An Old French occupational name meaning 'doorkeeper' or 'gatekeeper,' from Latin ostium (door). Like Cooper and Fletcher, it is an occupational surname now used as a given name — associated with R&B star Usher Raymond.

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Origin HighEnglish, French

MeaningDoorkeeper; gatekeeper; from Old French ussier (doorkeeper, usher), from Latin ostiarius (gatekeeper, from ostium: door)

U.S. rank (2025)#1974 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births78 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,303

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

Usher comes from Old French ussier (doorkeeper), from Latin ostiarius (gatekeeper, from ostium: door). The occupational role of usher — one who opens doors and guides people to their seats — has been documented since the medieval period.

Usher as a given name is strongly associated with the R&B singer Usher Raymond IV. It ranked #2332 for boys in 2024, reflecting its use as a tribute name in African American communities.

Did you know? Usher Raymond IV (born 1978) is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 80 million records sold. He is named after his father Usher Raymond III — making his name a family lineage tradition as much as a given name.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Usher — Old French/Latin etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Osher

Nicknames

Ush

Famous Bearers

★Usher Raymond IV (1978–present)
American R&B singer and songwriter, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for Yeah!, Confessions, and a Las Vegas residency.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Usher mean?

Usher means 'doorkeeper' or 'gatekeeper,' from Old French ussier and Latin ostiarius (gatekeeper, from ostium: door).

How do you pronounce Usher?

It's said USH-er /ˈʌʃ.ər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Usher a boy or girl name?

Usher is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Usher?

Usher ranked #2332 for U.S. boys in 2024.