US Popularity:1442
Origin:Latin
Meaning:Right-handed; Favorable; One who dyes
Centuries ago, Dexter was someone who dyed clothing; on TV, Dexter took care of a different kind of dying, namely murdering people as a serial killer on the eponymous series. The Latin name, however, referred to someone who was "right-handed", therefore believed to be dexterous and skilled. Also meaning "one who dyes" and "favorable," there can be no limit to baby's talent and charm. While the name has fluctuated in the charts for centuries, Dexter always seems to hang around. It has also hit a high note with singers: Elvis Costello and Diana Krall named one of their twin boys Dexter in 2006, and Charlotte Church named her son Dexter in 2009.

Dexter Name Popularity Data

The Bump Ranking

Overall:Dexter is currently #1374 on The Bump
Boy:Dexter is currently #385 on The Bump Boy Names

U.S. Births

Overall:Dexter is currently #1442 in U.S. births
Boy:Dexter is currently #494 in U.S. births

Yearly Ranking Change:

Year:
2022
#1442
in 2022
- 355
from 2021
In comparison to the previous year's data
Sources
  • Behind the Name, Dexter, February 2019

  • Baby Names 2020 by Eleanor Turner, pg. 95

  • Name Doctor, Dexter

  • Collins Dictionary, Dexter

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
Not sure you have the perfect name? Search to add more baby names to your My Favorites list.