Turner
How to say it: TUR-ner · /ˈtɜrnər/
English occupational surname meaning 'one who works a lathe'; used as a given name, especially in the American South.
Turner was the 993rd most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 195 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1890s, its births are down about 16% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #1,064 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #993 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 195 |
| Share of births | 1 in 17,001 |
| Peak decade | 1890s |
| Change over 10 years | −16% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,064 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After nearly vanishing around the 1970s, Turner returned to stand close to its 1890s high. The coming stretch may ease downward a bit.
What goes with it
Solid and mellow through two syllables, it carries a strong tone. Porter and Parker sit alongside it nicely.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Turner is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
Famous people named Turner
- Turner Ashby (1828–1862)Confederate Army general
- Turner Stevenson (born 1972)Canadian ice hockey player
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Turner
Find names you'll both love, starting with Turner
The one-minute style quiz.