"the fox, cunning animal"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Fox
Pronunciation: [ f-AHKS ]
Does Fox flow with your last name?
Sharp, clever, and wild — a one-syllable nature name
English
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Playful
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Fox News network — some parents may want to consider political connotations
The Story of Fox
Fox as a given name comes from the Old English 'fox,' which referred to the cunning red-coated mammal. It began as a surname (most famously for the English Fox family and American actor Michael J. Fox) before transitioning into first-name use in the early 2000s. The rise of nature names and animal names in modern Western naming trends has made Fox an appealing choice for parents who want something bold, short, and memorable.
Fox surged as a given name in the 2010s alongside other single-syllable nature names like Bear, Wolf, and Wren. Celebrities embracing unconventional animal names helped normalize Fox as a first name for boys.
The fox is universally admired for its cunning and cleverness in folklore traditions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In many cultures, the fox is a trickster figure — clever, adaptable, and quick-witted.
Historical Record
Fox first appeared in US Social Security records in 1995.
Over 3,745 babies have been named Fox in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Fox is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,113 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Fox is also a famous surname — borne by actors Michael J. Fox and Megan Fox
- The Spanish word for fox, 'Zorro,' became a legendary fictional hero
- In Japanese mythology, the fox (kitsune) is a magical shape-shifting creature
Fox in Other Languages
French
Renard
German
Fuchs
Chinese
狐 (Hú)
Spanish
Zorro
Japanese
キツネ (Kitsune)
Popularity Over Time
#1,113
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Fox
M
Megan Fox
Actor
1986
American actress known for the Transformers franchise
M
Michael J. Fox
Actor
1961
Canadian-American actor known for Back to the Future and Family Ties; Parkinson's advocate
F
Fox Mulder Fictional
Other
Fictional FBI agent and protagonist of The X-Files, played by David Duchovny
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,113
- Total SSA Count
- 192
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Fox
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Fox is also used as a girl name, ranked #25934.
View Fox as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fox
What does the name Fox mean?
"the fox, cunning animal" (from Old English). Fox as a given name comes from the Old English 'fox,' which referred to the cunning red-coated mammal. It began as a surname (most famously for the English Fox family and American actor Michael J. Fox) before transitioning into first-name use in the early 2000s. The rise of nature names and animal names in modern Western naming trends has made Fox an appealing choice for parents who want something bold, short, and memorable.
What is the origin of the name Fox?
Fox has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "the fox, cunning animal".
Is Fox a boy or girl name?
Fox is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1113. As a girl name, it is ranked #25934. Fox is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Fox?
Fox is pronounced f-AHKS.
How popular is the name Fox?
Fox is currently ranked #1113 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Fox?
Popular middle name pairings include Fox James, Fox William, Fox Henry, Fox River, Fox Cole, and Fox Elliot.
What are good sibling names for Fox?
Names that pair well with Fox as siblings include Bear, Wren, Scout, Finn, Sage, Reed, and Ivy.
How many syllables does Fox have?
Fox has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Fox a common or rare name?
Fox is an uncommon name, ranked #1113 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Fox?
About the Name Fox
Fox is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "the fox, cunning animal" in Old English .
Is Fox a boy or girl name? Fox is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,113 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #25,934. Fox is more commonly used as a boy name.
Fox is currently ranked #1,113 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Fox has 1 syllable and is pronounced f-AHKS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis