Moss Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Moss originates from Old English, meaning 'moss' as in the small plant. It evolved from 'mos' in Old English through 'mosse' in Middle English to its current form in Modern English. The name is connected to nature and has been used as both a surname and a given name. It has no biblical relevance. In contemporary times, it is viewed positively, often associated with tranquility. Notable figures with this name include playwright Moss Hart and model Kate Moss.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Moss"
Pronunciation
/mɔs/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Moss is derived from the Old English word 'mos', which refers to a small, soft plant that grows in damp areas. It has connections to the idea of being a dweller near marshy or boggy places.
Meaning
moss, small plant
Language Evolution
Old English: mos, Middle English: mosse, Modern English: Moss
Historical Usage
The name Moss has been used as a surname for centuries, and in the 19th and 20th centuries, it became more popular as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Mosse, Mossy
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Moss is seen as a unique and nature-inspired name, often associated with tranquility and a connection to the earth.
Famous People
Moss Hart, American playwright and director, Kate Moss, English supermodel
📊 Moss Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Moss Name Visualizations
✨ Moss Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 20 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Moss" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Moss". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Moss" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Moss"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Moss"
"Moss" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3048th of 7545 | 118 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3906th of 6773 | 61 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4311th of 7552 | 56 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6253rd of 10718 | 38 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 14347th of 16616 | 10 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10637th of 24088 | 75 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6997th of 23106 | 138 |
Regional Popularity of "Moss" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Moss" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Moss"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Moss" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Moss" in the United States
The name Moss is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Moss has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Moss' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3048th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3906th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4311th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6253rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 14347th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10637th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6997th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Moss' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.