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

Popularity of Buddy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Buddy is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Buddy being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 38 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Buddy.

The history of the first name Buddy

The name Buddy has its origins in the English language, originating as a nickname or term of endearment. It is believed to have derived from the Middle English word "bud," which means a close friend or companion.

In the 16th century, the term "buddy" started being used as a friendly address for a male companion or comrade. It was often used among soldiers and sailors, reflecting the strong bonds formed between those who served together. The name's popularity grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Buddy can be found in the 1906 novel "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton, where a character is referred to as "Buddy Dorset." However, it was not commonly used as a given name until the 20th century.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Buddy was Buddy Holly, an American singer-songwriter and pioneer of rock and roll music. Born Charles Hardin Holley in 1936, he was a influential figure in the late 1950s with hits like "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day." Tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash in 1959 at the age of 22.

Another notable Buddy was Buddy Rich, an American jazz drummer and bandleader born in 1917. He was known for his incredible technical skills and was considered one of the greatest drummers of all time. Rich performed with many legendary jazz musicians and led his own big band until his death in 1987 at the age of 69.

In the world of sports, Buddy Ryan (1931-2016) was a successful American football coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears' legendary 1985 defense.

Buddy Ebsen (1908-2003) was an American actor and dancer, most famously known for his role as Jed Clampett in the long-running television series "The Beverly Hillbillies." He had a prolific career spanning over seven decades.

Finally, Buddy Hackett (1924-2003) was an American comedian and actor, known for his roles in films like "The Music Man" and his appearances on various television shows. He was a versatile performer and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

While the name Buddy may have started as a friendly nickname, it has become a popular given name in its own right, with a rich history and numerous notable individuals who have borne it over the years.

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 Buddy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!