Find out how popular the first name Bud has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bud by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Bud is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bud.

The history of the first name Bud

The given name Bud is an English nickname derived from the word "bud" meaning a newly emerged plant shoot or flower. The name's origins can be traced back to the Middle English word "budde," which stemmed from the Old English word "budda."

The name Bud gained popularity as a nickname or shortened form of longer given names like Budville or Buddleiah in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was commonly used as a term of endearment or a friendly moniker, reflecting the idea of something new or in the process of growth and development.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bud can be found in the works of William Shakespeare. In his play "The Taming of the Shrew," written around 1592, a character named Bud is mentioned, suggesting the name's usage during the Elizabethan era.

The name Bud has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous was Bud Abbott, an American actor and comedian born in 1895, who formed the iconic comedy duo Abbott and Costello with his partner Lou Costello.

Another well-known figure was Bud Powell, an influential American jazz pianist born in 1924, who was a leading figure in the bebop style of jazz and is considered one of the greatest piano virtuosos in the history of the genre.

In the world of sports, Bud Selig, born in 1934, was the former commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1998 to 2015, overseeing significant changes in the league during his tenure.

Bud Wilkinson, born in 1916, was a highly successful American football coach who led the University of Oklahoma to three national championships and set numerous coaching records during his time as the head coach from 1947 to 1963.

In literature, Bud Schulberg, born in 1914, was an American novelist, screenwriter, and sports writer best known for his novel "What Makes Sammy Run?" and for co-writing the screenplay for the classic film "On the Waterfront," which earned him an Academy Award.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bud was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bud, please contact us.

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