How popular is the baby name Random in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Random.

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Popularity of the baby name Random


Posts that mention the name Random

What turned Random into a baby name in 1979?

The character Random from the TV series "Out of the Blue" (1979)
Random from “Out of the Blue

Here’s a random baby name for you: Random!

The rare name Random, which has been popping up in the U.S. baby name data (on and off) for decades, initially appeared in 1979:

  • 1981: unlisted
  • 1980: 6 baby boys named Random
  • 1979: 9 baby boys named Random [debut]
  • 1978: unlisted
  • 1977: unlisted

Why that year?

Because of a short-lived TV series called Out of the Blue, which aired during the last four months of 1979.

The star of the fantasy sitcom was a guardian angel named Random (played by comedian Jimmy Brogan) who came to Earth to do good deeds and thereby earn his wings.

Interestingly, the character Random had been introduced to television audiences a few days before the premiere of Out of the Blue, in an episode of the popular sitcom Happy Days called “Chachi Sells His Soul.”

The adjective random, which refers to a situation in which all outcomes are equally probable, also (informally) refers to something that unexpected or arbitrary, or to a person of no consequence.

What are your thoughts on Random as a baby name?

Sources: Out of the Blue (1979 TV series) – Wikipedia, Random – Wiktionary, SSA