Truman

Pronunciation: [ tr-OOM-uhn ]

Boy Name #1,810 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A name that means true and has always lived up to it

American English

Vintage Strong Literary Bold Classic

Meaning & Origin

"faithful man, loyal man"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"trustworthy one"

Origin: Anglo-Saxon

Language: English

The Story of Truman

Truman is an Old English surname composed of 'treowe' (true, faithful) and 'mann' (man), literally meaning 'faithful man' or 'loyal man.' It began as an occupational or character surname in medieval England, given to those known for their reliability and trustworthiness. Like many English surnames, it crossed the Atlantic with colonial settlers and eventually made the jump to given name use, particularly in America.

Truman's popularity as a given name surged after Harry S. Truman's presidency (1945-1953). It then faded mid-century, but has returned as part of the vintage surname-as-first-name renaissance. The literary connection to Truman Capote adds further appeal for readers, and the short form 'Tru' gives it contemporary edge.

Truman carries enormous weight in American history as the name of the 33rd president, who made the momentous decision to use atomic weapons against Japan and later stood firm against Soviet expansion. Truman Capote, who wrote In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's, adds a literary dimension that makes the name particularly appealing to readers and writers.

Fun Facts

Harry S. Truman's famous desk motto was 'The Buck Stops Here'
Truman Capote wrote In Cold Blood, one of the first works of literary journalism
The Truman Show (1998), featuring Jim Carrey, used the name to represent an 'everyman' whose entire life is a TV show

Truman in Other Languages

French Truman

German Truman

English Truman

Spanish Truman

Famous People Named Truman

Truman Capote

Writer

1924

American author of Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood, icon of 20th century literature

Harry S. Truman

Politician

1884

33rd President of the United States, who made the decision to use atomic bombs to end World War II

Truman Burbank Fictional

Other

Protagonist of the 1998 film The Truman Show, played by Jim Carrey, a man who doesn't know his life is a TV show

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,810
Total SSA Count: 90
Cultural Origins: American English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Tru True

Pairs Well With

Truman James Truman Scott Truman Lee Truman Wade Truman Grey Truman Allen Truman Dale

Sibling Names

Harper Scout Atticus Holden Fitzgerald Piper Catcher

Also a Girl Name

Truman is also used as a girl name, ranked #70459.

View Truman as a girl name →

Similar Names

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Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Truman

What does the name Truman mean?

"faithful man, loyal man" (from Old English). "trustworthy one" (from Anglo-Saxon). Truman is an Old English surname composed of 'treowe' (true, faithful) and 'mann' (man), literally meaning 'faithful man' or 'loyal man.' It began as an occupational or character surname in medieval England, given to those known for their reliability and trustworthiness. Like many English surnames, it crossed the Atlantic with colonial settlers and eventually made the jump to given name use, particularly in America.

What is the origin of the name Truman?

Truman has Old English, Anglo-Saxon, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "faithful man, loyal man". In Anglo-Saxon, it means "trustworthy one".

Is Truman a boy or girl name?

Truman is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1810. As a girl name, it is ranked #70459. Truman is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Truman?

Truman is pronounced tr-OOM-uhn.

How popular is the name Truman?

Truman is currently ranked #1810 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Truman?

Common nicknames for Truman include Tru and True.

What are good middle names for Truman?

Popular middle name pairings include Truman James, Truman Scott, Truman Lee, Truman Wade, Truman Grey, Truman Allen, and Truman Dale.

What are good sibling names for Truman?

Names that pair well with Truman as siblings include Harper, Scout, Atticus, Holden, Fitzgerald, Piper, and Catcher.

How many syllables does Truman have?

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

Is Truman a common or rare name?

Truman is an uncommon name, ranked #1810 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Truman

Truman is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "faithful man, loyal man" in Old English .

Is Truman a boy or girl name? Truman is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,810 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,459. Truman is more commonly used as a boy name.

Truman is currently ranked #1,810 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Truman has 2 syllables and is pronounced tr-OOM-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Truman include Tru and True. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.