📰HuffPost highlights the tranquil word name 📛Truce as "the fastest-rising" boys' name in the U.S.
Truce was almost unheard of as a given name, but Social Security Administration’s latest data, shows Truce rose a whopping 11,118 places in the ranking from the 12,109th most popular name for boys in 2023 to No. 991 in 2024.
Name expert Sophie Kihm, the editor-in-chief of Nameberry says, “Truce is one of the rare risers that comes out of thin air without a media catalyst ― at least, none that we could find. But Truce fits into a couple of major trends that are influencing its rise.” She believes the name is a good example of what she describes as “soulful names” ― modern, spiritual choices with subtle religious connection ― which is a trend category Nameberry identified for 2026. “These include meaningful word names like Shepherd and Sage, Vision and Verse, Tru and, of course, Truce. Truce may not seem like a religious word name on the surface ― few of our Soulful Names do ― but parents are drawn to these choices because they blend spirituality with modern style.”
“The rise of the baby name Truce has been stunning,” Abby Sandel, the creator of the baby name blog Appellation Mountain says. “In raw numbers, six boys were named Truce in 2023. By 2024, there were 227 newborn boys called Truce, as well as 10 girls. It's a 'true overnight sensation' that lacks any obvious explanation for the rise." She points out, "There have been a handful of high-profile men named Truce: Grant Stuard made his first NFL touchdown in 2023 ― his dad is named Truce, and their family’s story generated some media coverage. There’s a rapper, as well as a Twenty One Pilots song.”
“The popularity of the name Truce is a direct result of the fatigue parents feel from all the wars and violence in the world right now,” Kihm believes. Nameberry's editor-in-chief sees playing into the rise of Truce is the news coverage of major wars in our world, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Gaza conflict: “Historically, wars have had large influences on baby names. German-origin names largely fell in usage after WWI, for example. In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in what we call ‘safe haven’ names that promote peace and refuge ― think Haven, Eden, Harbor.” Kihm sees the name Truce as an "even more overt reference to safety and harmony in our troubled times."
Baby name consultant Taylor Humphrey sees the rise of Truce as deeply tied to the cultural moment. “I was surprised to learn that Truce was the fastest rising boy’s name last year,” she admits. “It hadn’t crossed my radar before, but now that I see it, I totally understand its appeal. Its meteoric rise to prominence during a deeply divisive election year says a lot about the cultural temperature of the moment. In one syllable, Truce conveys a deep desire for calm amid global conflict.” Humphrey describes Truce as a: "nice mix between True and Bruce, bringing something old and familiar but also modern. This masculine moniker meaning ‘peace deal’ or ‘agreement between enemies’ fits into the broader category of 'virtue names.' Virtue names are nothing new ― parents have always loved names that reflect their values ― but the specific virtues we choose evolve with the times, as cultural beliefs and attitudes ebb and flow.” She reminds that many millennial and Gen Z babies were given names like Faith, Hope and Grace. “Now, millennial and Gen Z parents are reaching for new names like Truce, modern virtue names born from a hope for world peace. Whether or not a name is overtly ‘virtuous,’ every name is a statement of values. Parents choosing Truce are signaling a longing for peace ― for a world where rules are clear, agreements are honored, and people feel safe.”
Truce is a: "brief, complete word name similar to Trace, Crew, and especially True,” Appellation Mountain's creator Sandel says. “But it also fits with our love of modern virtue names like Chosen, Creed, and Saint. And, of course, Truce is the Gen Beta descendant of Boomer favorite Bruce. It’s a formula for a wildly successful name.”
The rise of Truce might also signal a broader shift in baby-naming that’s exciting to name experts.
“For generations, parents took more risks when naming daughters, but stuck with traditional choices and family heritage picks for our sons,” Sandel of Appellation Mountain says. “But that’s really changed in the 21st century. Parents are looking for boys’ names with just as much style and creativity. That’s opened the door for the rapid rise of Truce and other unexpected names, and that’s a positive and welcome change."
The ‘tru’-sound and ‘oo’-sounds are part of a broader sonic pattern dominating contemporary baby names. “In addition to Truce, Tru and Truett were among the list of fast rising baby names between 2023 and 2024. True, Truth, and Truly also rose modestly in use,” Nameberry's Kihm shares.
"Word names often suggest a specific image, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll fit our children. Maverick might be shy, Patience could lose her temper. Grace might trip over her own feet. But Truce fits into a broadly aspirational word name category, one that suggests peace and strength," Appellation Mountain's Sandel states.
My 💭thoughts on 📛Truce? (and just like name consultant Taylor Humphrey, I had no clue it was a talked about, growing-in-popularity baby name) To be transparent, I don't like it! 🙅🏾♀️ I do admire the idea behind what it signifies — peace — but a truce means to surrender... so then I see Truce as a weak first name 🤦🏾♀️ which is not what one would want, especially if used for a boy's name. Now, the name 📛True/Tru I like. 📛Truly is beautiful. 📛Truth is nice. 📛Truett isn't bad. But 📛Truce? It's bad. 😬 It's akin to the name 📛Secure — sure it has good intentions behind it — but it just still misses the mark 🎯 for me. 🤷🏾♀️
☔📛IRN RATING OF 📛🏳️Truce: 👎/👍 OR 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍/ 10
