Choosing a name for your child is a significant decision, laden with meaning and aspirations. The name "Joey" offers a blend of familiarity and charm. This article delves into the popularity of the name Joey, exploring its historical trends and providing insights for parents considering this timeless choice.
Joey Name Popularity
How popular is the name Joey? Let’s examine its journey through the years, relying on data from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Historical Trends
The SSA provides a comprehensive dataset of baby names, allowing us to track the ebb and flow of Joey‘s popularity.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1930 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1931 | 1,427 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1932-1938 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1939 | 994 | 12 | 0.0012% |
| 1940 | 832 | 23 | 0.0022% |
| 1941 | 1,280 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1942 | 748 | 37 | 0.0029% |
| 1943 | 620 | 68 | 0.0052% |
| 1944 | 543 | 86 | 0.0069% |
| 1945 | 570 | 70 | 0.0057% |
| 1946 | 605 | 70 | 0.0047% |
| 1947 | 574 | 101 | 0.0061% |
| 1948 | 574 | 94 | 0.0059% |
| 1949 | 596 | 87 | 0.0054% |
| 1950 | 514 | 130 | 0.0081% |
| 1951 | 489 | 151 | 0.0089% |
| 1952 | 458 | 196 | 0.0112% |
| 1953 | 379 | 294 | 0.0166% |
| 1954 | 323 | 461 | 0.0252% |
| 1955 | 273 | 650 | 0.0353% |
| 1956 | 239 | 921 | 0.0488% |
| 1957 | 241 | 1,001 | 0.052% |
| 1958 | 237 | 1,041 | 0.0551% |
| 1959 | 240 | 1,089 | 0.0573% |
| 1960 | 231 | 1,179 | 0.0622% |
| 1961 | 221 | 1,228 | 0.065% |
| 1962 | 199 | 1,506 | 0.082% |
| 1963 | 207 | 1,364 | 0.076% |
| 1964 | 203 | 1,350 | 0.0767% |
| 1965 | 216 | 1,083 | 0.0662% |
| 1966 | 217 | 1,006 | 0.0644% |
| 1967 | 211 | 1,045 | 0.0689% |
| 1968 | 210 | 1,087 | 0.0724% |
| 1969 | 211 | 1,155 | 0.075% |
| 1970 | 218 | 1,108 | 0.0696% |
| 1971 | 220 | 1,034 | 0.0688% |
| 1972 | 236 | 879 | 0.0645% |
| 1973 | 242 | 837 | 0.0646% |
| 1974 | 236 | 832 | 0.064% |
| 1975 | 249 | 804 | 0.0626% |
| 1976 | 190 | 1,144 | 0.0888% |
| 1977 | 194 | 1,200 | 0.089% |
| 1978 | 205 | 1,051 | 0.0782% |
| 1979 | 214 | 1,070 | 0.0759% |
| 1980 | 212 | 1,136 | 0.0777% |
| 1981 | 224 | 1,054 | 0.0717% |
| 1982 | 232 | 973 | 0.0651% |
| 1983 | 260 | 769 | 0.0521% |
| 1984 | 278 | 715 | 0.0481% |
| 1985 | 270 | 739 | 0.0487% |
| 1986 | 312 | 618 | 0.0409% |
| 1987 | 296 | 690 | 0.0452% |
| 1988 | 339 | 592 | 0.038% |
| 1989 | 363 | 581 | 0.036% |
| 1990 | 352 | 656 | 0.0396% |
| 1991 | 365 | 615 | 0.0377% |
| 1992 | 398 | 539 | 0.0338% |
| 1993 | 354 | 627 | 0.0402% |
| 1994 | 412 | 514 | 0.0335% |
| 1995 | 441 | 480 | 0.0318% |
| 1996 | 453 | 447 | 0.0299% |
| 1997 | 473 | 416 | 0.0281% |
| 1998 | 532 | 341 | 0.0228% |
| 1999 | 499 | 392 | 0.0262% |
| 2000 | 470 | 461 | 0.0302% |
| 2001 | 517 | 393 | 0.0261% |
| 2002 | 521 | 395 | 0.0264% |
| 2003 | 505 | 447 | 0.0294% |
| 2004 | 479 | 485 | 0.0318% |
| 2005 | 511 | 439 | 0.0287% |
| 2006 | 546 | 424 | 0.0271% |
| 2007 | 543 | 431 | 0.0273% |
| 2008 | 571 | 409 | 0.0265% |
| 2009 | 620 | 358 | 0.024% |
| 2010 | 614 | 356 | 0.0247% |
| 2011 | 598 | 359 | 0.0252% |
| 2012 | 605 | 358 | 0.0251% |
| 2013 | 644 | 323 | 0.0227% |
| 2014 | 685 | 304 | 0.0209% |
| 2015 | 754 | 255 | 0.0175% |
| 2016 | 667 | 314 | 0.0218% |
| 2017 | 792 | 222 | 0.0159% |
| 2018 | 726 | 264 | 0.0192% |
| 2019 | 754 | 240 | 0.0177% |
| 2020 | 918 | 186 | 0.0146% |
| 2021 | 1,032 | 158 | 0.0129% |
| 2022 | 927 | 198 | 0.015% |
| 2023 | 994 | 170 | 0.0131% |
As the data shows, the name Joey experienced a surge in popularity from the 1950s through the 1980s. It has since declined but remains a recognizable and relatively common name. In 1962, Joey reached its peak at rank 199 with 1,506 births, representing 0.082% of male births.
Regional Variations
The provided data for the District of Columbia gives us a glimpse into regional popularity. The fluctuations in DC mirror the national trend, though the numbers are naturally smaller.
Meaning and Origin
While not explicitly stated in the provided document, Joey is most often a diminutive of Joseph. Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning "God will increase" or "God will add." This gives the name a strong, positive connotation.
Names Like Joey
If you appreciate the sound and style of Joey, consider these alternatives:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Jae: With American, Asian, and Latin roots, meaning "Blue crested bird; talent; riches"
- Jay: English origin, meaning "To heal"
- Jeh: Latin origin, meaning "Blue crested bird"
- Jo: Hebrew origin, meaning "Jehovah increases"
- Joao: Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious"
Similar Names:
- Joby: Hebrew origin, meaning "Persecuted"
- Jodey: English origin.
- Jody: Hebrew origin, meaning "Jehovah increases"
- Joed: Hebrew origin, meaning "Jehovah is witness"
- Joel: Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh is God"
- Jorey: Scandinavian origin.
- Jory
Final Thoughts
The name Joey carries a sense of warmth and approachability. Its history reflects a period of significant popularity, and while it’s less common today than in the past, it remains a solid choice. The meaning behind the name, linked to increase and divine grace, adds another layer of appeal. Ultimately, the best name is one that resonates with you and your family, and Joey offers a lot to love.
