The nameBoris

Boris is a Slavic name of tsars and writers. It is short, strong and easy to say in English.

Meaning

Boris is of uncertain origin, often traced to a Bulgar name or to the Slavic borti, "to fight".

Origin

Slavic.

History

Saint Boris was a prince of Kyiv who died in 1015. In England and Wales Boris reached 721st place in 2018.

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Famous people named Boris

Popularity of the name Boris

Boris in the United States

3374thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
1970peak year (82 births)
4,584babies named Boris in the United States since 1880
04182 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Boris was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 603 births over the decade, 13% of all recorded babies named Boris. Its rise began around 1912, and it peaked in 1970. Half of all babies named Boris in the United States were born before 1979, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 39 births a year on average, against 49 in the five years before.

Boris in the United Kingdom

1525thmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2018peak year (47 births)
731babies named Boris in the United Kingdom since 1997
02447 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Boris was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 371 births over the decade, 51% of all recorded babies named Boris. Half of all babies named Boris in the United Kingdom were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 27 births a year on average, against 41 in the five years before.

Boris in France

2016thmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
1988peak year (625 births)
15,900babies named Boris in France since 1900
0313625 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Boris in Belgium

126thmost popular boys' name in Belgium in 2025
2024peak year (113 births)
1,443babies named Boris in Belgium since 1995
057113 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Boris in Austria

583rdmost popular boys' name in Austria in 2025
1985peak year (24 births)
516babies named Boris in Austria since 1984
01224 198519901995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Austria. Source: Statistik Austria (until 2009, Austrian nationals only).

Sibling names for Boris

Names from the same generation as Boris, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

How many people are named Boris? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Boris with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Boris side by side with the name of your choice.

Boris in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Boris mean?

Boris is of uncertain origin, often traced to a Bulgar name or to the Slavic borti, "to fight".

What is the origin of the name Boris?

Slavic.

Is Boris a girl's or a boy's name?

Boris is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Boris?

In 2024, Boris was the 3374th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 35 births.

What are good sibling names for Boris?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Malina, Sonja, Selma and Jeanne for a sister, Vladimir, Alain, Kamil and Hubert for a brother.

Who are famous people named Boris?

Boris Pasternak, novelist; Boris Becker, tennis player; Boris Karloff, actor.