Major

Pronunciation: [ m-AYJ-er ]

Boy Name #581 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

Greater by name, built for leadership

English American

Bold Strong Modern Unique

Meaning & Origin

"greater, superior"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

"elder, more important"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

Things to Know About This Name

Strong military rank association may feel presumptuous in formal settings

The Story of Major

Major comes from the Latin 'major' meaning greater, larger, or superior — the comparative form of 'magnus' (great). As a military rank, it has been used in Western armies since the 16th century, denoting a commissioned officer above captain. As a given name, Major entered American usage partly as an occupational/status name and has recently been embraced by parents seeking bold, confident names with real-world meaning.

Major has risen sharply as a given name in the United States in the 2010s, fitting into the trend for strong, single-word names with powerful meanings — alongside Legend, Maverick, and Knox. The name is especially popular in the African American community and among celebrity parents seeking distinctive names.

As a military title, Major carries associations of leadership, discipline, and authority. As a given name, it projects confidence and ambition. The name has been used by athletes and celebrities, giving it a modern, aspirational energy that differs from its formal rank origins.

Fun Facts

Major is the Latin comparative of 'magnus,' the same root that gives us 'magnificent' and 'magnify'
Major was used as a given name in 19th-century America, particularly in the South, before it became a military rank first name
The name has seen a sharp rise since 2015 as part of the bold one-word name trend

Major in Other Languages

Latin Major

French Major

German Major

Spanish Mayor

Famous People Named Major

Major Lazer

Musician

American electronic dance music group known for global hits like 'Lean On' and 'Cold Water'

Major (Overwatch) Fictional

Other

Military rank associated with hero characters in the game Overwatch and other action franchises

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #581
Total SSA Count: 490
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Nicknames

Maj May Majie

Pairs Well With

Major James Major Lee Major Cole Major Reed Major West Major Blake Major Cash

Sibling Names

Knox Legend True Blaze Crew Bear Reign

Also a Girl Name

Major is also used as a girl name, ranked #67503.

View Major as a girl name →

Similar Names

Nathan Jackson Judson Madison Jason Lawson Watson Anson

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Major

What does the name Major mean?

"greater, superior" (from Latin). "elder, more important" (from Latin). Major comes from the Latin 'major' meaning greater, larger, or superior — the comparative form of 'magnus' (great). As a military rank, it has been used in Western armies since the 16th century, denoting a commissioned officer above captain. As a given name, Major entered American usage partly as an occupational/status name and has recently been embraced by parents seeking bold, confident names with real-world meaning.

What is the origin of the name Major?

Major has Latin, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "greater, superior". In Latin, it means "elder, more important".

Is Major a boy or girl name?

Major is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #581. As a girl name, it is ranked #67503. Major is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Major?

Major is pronounced m-AYJ-er.

How popular is the name Major?

Major is currently ranked #581 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Major?

Common nicknames for Major include Maj, May, and Majie.

What are good middle names for Major?

Popular middle name pairings include Major James, Major Lee, Major Cole, Major Reed, Major West, Major Blake, and Major Cash.

What are good sibling names for Major?

Names that pair well with Major as siblings include Knox, Legend, True, Blaze, Crew, Bear, and Reign.

How many syllables does Major have?

Major has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Major a common or rare name?

Major is moderately common, ranked #581 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Major

Major is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "greater, superior" in Latin .

Is Major a boy or girl name? Major is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #581 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #67,503. Major is more commonly used as a boy name.

Major is currently ranked #581 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Major has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYJ-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Major include Maj, May, and Majie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.