At a glance
- In short
- Detroit is a distinctive male name with American English pronunciation. It has historical ties to the automotive industry and can be a unique choice for parents.
- U.S. rank 2025
- Not in the 2025 data · last seen 2022 (#10,863)
- Babies in 2022
- 6 (<0.01% of boys)
- Peak
- #2,446 in 1923
- First recorded
- 1914
Meaning of Detroit
Detroit is a male name with American English pronunciation: dee-TROYT (/diˈtrɒɪt/). It is also known by the variation "Motor City." The name Detroit has been given to newborn boys in the United States since at least 1914. While it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a steady presence over the years. The associations with Detroit are often related to its status as a major city in Michigan and its historical connection to the automotive industry. This unique and distinctive name can be a great choice for parents who want to pay homage to this vibrant city or who simply appreciate its strong and energetic sound.
How to pronounce Detroit
English
- Pronounced dee-TROYT /diˈtrɒɪt/
Popularity of Detroit in the U.S.
Detroit was last recorded in the U.S. in 2022, ranked #10,863 with 6 babies. It peaked at #2,446 in 1923. It first appears in the records in 1914.
- Rank among U.S. boy names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 1914–2022 22 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 | 10,863 | back (not recorded in 2021) |
| 2020 | 6 | 10,605 | back (not recorded in 2019) |
| 2018 | 7 | 9,670 | back (not recorded in 2013–2017) |
| 2012 | 6 | 10,770 | back (not recorded in 2008–2011) |
| 2007 | 5 | 12,369 | back (not recorded in 1974–2006) |
| 1973 | 5 | 5,101 | back (not recorded in 1959–1972) |
| 1958 | 5 | 3,944 | back (not recorded in 1952–1957) |
| 1951 | 5 | 3,714 | back (not recorded in 1942–1950) |
| 1941 | 5 | 3,505 | back (not recorded in 1934–1940) |
| 1933 | 5 | 3,642 | ▼ 550 |
| 1932 | 7 | 3,092 | back (not recorded in 1927–1931) |
| 1926 | 5 | 4,201 | ▼ 460 |
| 1925 | 6 | 3,741 | ▼ 481 |
| 1924 | 8 | 3,260 | ▼ 814 |
| 1923 | 12 | 2,446 | ▲ 40 |
| 1922 | 12 | 2,486 | ▲ 728 |
| 1921 | 8 | 3,214 | back (not recorded in 1920) |
| 1919 | 11 | 2,511 | back (not recorded in 1918) |
| 1917 | 6 | 3,545 | ▼ 368 |
| 1916 | 7 | 3,177 | ▲ 648 |
| 1915 | 5 | 3,825 | ▼ 910 |
| 1914 | 6 | 2,915 | new |