"record keeper"
Ledger
Pronunciation: [ l-EHJ-er ]
Bold, modern, effortlessly cool
Meaning & Origin
"lying flat (large book)"
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly and permanently associated with the late Heath Ledger, who died at age 28 — some parents may feel this is too heavy a tribute
- Uncommon enough that people may mishear it as 'Edgar' or 'Leger'
The Story of Ledger
Ledger comes from the Middle English 'legger,' referring to a large book kept in one place for recording accounts — derived from Old English 'licgan' (to lie flat). As a surname-turned-given-name, it fits the modern trend of occupational and word names. Its use as a first name has surged since the 2000s.
Ledger began rising rapidly in the early 2020s, fueled by the surname-as-first-name trend and a desire for edgy, unconventional boy names with strong consonants.
In English-speaking culture, Ledger is almost exclusively associated with the late actor Heath Ledger, making it a loaded but meaningful tribute name.
Fun Facts
- The first known use of 'ledger' as an accounting book dates to the 15th century.
- Ledger entered the US top 1000 for the first time in 2021.
- Heath Ledger's Academy Award-winning Joker role (2008) cemented his legendary status.
Ledger in Other Languages
Famous People Named Ledger
Heath Ledger
Actor
1979
Australian actor, posthumous Oscar winner for The Dark Knight's Joker
Ledger Hawthorne Fictional
Other
Fictional character gaining use as a namesake inspiration
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #503
- Total SSA Count
- 606
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Ledger is also used as a girl name, ranked #40462.
View Ledger as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ledger
What does the name Ledger mean?
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Is Ledger a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Ledger
Ledger is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "record keeper" in Middle English .
Is Ledger a boy or girl name? Ledger is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #503 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #40,462. Ledger is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ledger is currently ranked #503 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ledger has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EHJ-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ledger include Ledge and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.