The first name Ned

In 2025, 47 boys were named Ned, making it the 735th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2006, with 88 births (#389).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Ned with other names.

In 2025, 8 boys born in the United States were named Ned, the 9,452nd most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1939, when 319 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Ned Beatty
  American actor (1937–2021)
• Ned Kelly
  Australian bushranger (1854–1880)
• Ned Zelic
  Australian association football player, born 1971
• Ned Luke
  American actor (born 1958)
• Ned Rorem
  American composer and diarist (1923–2022)
• Ned Block
  American philosopher and academic, born 1942
• Ned Vizzini
  American writer (1981–2013)
• Ned Bellamy
  American actor, born 1957
• Ned Eisenberg
  American actor (1957–2022)
• Ned Glass
  American actor (1906-1984)
• Ned Jarrett
  American racecar driver and commentator (1932–2026)
• Ned Sparks
  Actor (1883-1957)

What does the name Ned mean?

From rebracketing of the phrase mine Ed to my Ned.

How popular is the name Ned?

In 2025, 47 boys born in England and Wales were named Ned, ranking 735th. Its peak was 2006, with 88 births.

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

Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 17,297 US babies named Ned since 1880 were boys.

When was Ned most popular?

1939 in the United States, when 319 babies were named Ned, its highest rank at 312th.

How do you pronounce Ned?

Ned is /ˈnɛd/, one syllable.

Is Ned also a surname?

Yes. Ned is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.