Dexter
How to say it: DEKS-tur · /ˈdɛkstər/
From Latin 'dexter' meaning right-handed, skillful, or fortunate; used as an English surname and given name.
Dexter was the 649th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 393 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2010s, its births are down about 48% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #841 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #649 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 393 |
| Share of births | 1 in 8,435 |
| Peak decade | 2010s |
| Change over 10 years | −48% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #841 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,436 among boys’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Solidly used after a 2010s high, Dexter remains familiar. Near that height still, a modest slide is foreseen.
What goes with it
Sharp and punchy DEKS tur lands crisp with a strong punch. Deacon shares that snap.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Dexter is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French.
In France: #2,436 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #154.
Famous people named Dexter
- Dexter Fletcher (born 1966)English actor and director
- Dexter Gordon (1923–1990)American jazz saxophonist
- Dexter Jackson (born 1969)American bodybuilder
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Dexter Morgan, vigilante serial killer in Showtime's Dexter series.
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