Rusty Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rusty originates from English, meaning reddish-brown, and evolved from the word 'rust'. It is often used as a nickname reflecting hair color or a profession. The name has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in the mid-20th century as an informal, friendly name. Variants include Rust and Russ, and it is currently viewed as approachable, associated with notable figures in sports.
The name Rusty is most popular in Oklahoma, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) 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. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Rusty has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Rusty' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7007th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2371st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 429th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 415th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 587th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2008th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3224th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 7165th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4318th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3738th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9069th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 27458th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Rusty' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Rusty"
Pronunciation
/ˈrʌsti/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Rusty is derived from the English word 'rust', which refers to the reddish-brown oxide that forms on iron when it is exposed to moisture and air. It is often used as a nickname for someone with reddish-brown hair or someone who works with metal.
Meaning
reddish-brown
Language Evolution
Rust, Rusty
Historical Usage
The name Rusty gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a casual or affectionate nickname, often for boys, but has since been used for some girls as well.
Variants & Derivatives
Rust, Ruston, Russ
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Rusty is perceived as a friendly and informal name, often associated with a laid-back or approachable personality.
Famous People
Rusty Staub - a former professional baseball player, Rusty Wallace - a retired American race car driver
Explore More Rusty Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Rusty"
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 "Rusty"
"Rusty" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7007th of 7545 | 8 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2371st of 6773 | 185 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 429th of 7552 | 5,793 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 415th of 10718 | 5,871 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 587th of 16616 | 4,465 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2008th of 24088 | 994 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3224th of 23106 | 428 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7165th of 9204 | 16 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4318th of 12526 | 157 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3738th of 19264 | 271 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9069th of 27321 | 113 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 27458th of 30306 | 8 |
Regional Popularity of "Rusty" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - |
67.23% 1040th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
15.67% 349th/2227 |
25.68% 624th/2430 |
14.93% 426th/2853 |
14.27% 396th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
11.78% 346th/2937 |
20.47% 713th/3483 |
10.92% 384th/3518 |
10.93% 442nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
14.60% 538th/3685 |
25.21% 1128th/4475 |
8.97% 466th/5194 |
11.43% 722nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
63.31% 2901st/4582 |
- |
26.01% 1902nd/7313 |
31.35% 2340th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
55.09% 3758th/6822 |
40.89% 2566th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Rusty" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
93.85% 2090th/2227 |
- | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
71.44% 2889th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Rusty"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Rusty" 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.