How Many People Are Named Sheldon?
Complete statistics for the name Sheldon: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Sheldon is a name with a classic feel but a very rare presence. About 24,367 people named Sheldon live in the U.S., making it 1 in 13,543. Most Sheldon's are over 60, giving it an older-generation vibe.
📖 Meaning & Origin
Life path number 5 is traditionally associated with freedom, curiosity, and a restless desire for change and new experiences. People connected to the number 5 are seen as adaptable and adventurous, drawn to variety rather than routine.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 61All 37,122 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 1992Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Declining
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Sheldon Through the Generations
Sheldon has a rich history, peaking in 1992 with 624 births, but now only 24,367 people bear this name in the U.S. This stark contrast between past popularity and current rarity is intriguing. The name's decline is notable, with only 5,686 under-30s, indicating a generational shift. The majority being over 60 suggests a legacy passed down through families, making Sheldon a name that resonates with older generations.
📍 State Distribution (Top 10)
⭐ Famous People Named Sheldon
Sheldon is an English surname, as well as a masculine given name, combining the Old English scelf and the place name haddon, which in turn comes from the words hǣth (heath) and dūn. Popular family history groups and notable people with the name include:…
Full list on Wikipedia →🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Sheldon's Old English roots
📄 About the Name Sheldon
How Many People Have the Name Sheldon?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 18,325 people in the United States currently share the name Sheldon. That works out to roughly 1 in every 18,087 Americans, placing it in the Rare category.
Is Sheldon a Common or Rare Name?
Sheldon is classified as Rare. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Sheldon Mean?
Sheldon means "steep valley town settlement" and comes from Old English origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 5.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Sheldon in SSA data, approximately 98% are male and 2% are female.
When Was Sheldon Most Popular?
The name Sheldon reached peak popularity in 1992, with 624 babies registered that year. Current trend: Declining.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Sheldon?
Approximately 18,325 people named Sheldon live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 18,325. That works out to roughly 1 in 18,087 Americans.
Is Sheldon a rare name?
Sheldon is classified as Rare in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 18,087 Americans has this name.
What does the name Sheldon mean?
Sheldon means "steep valley town settlement" and comes from Old English origins.
Is Sheldon more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 98% of people named Sheldon are male and 2% are female.
When was Sheldon most popular?
Sheldon peaked in 1992 with 624 births that year. Current trend: Declining.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.