Ross is a popular given name of Scottish origin, meaning 'promontory headland'. It has been used as a masculine given name for centuries but gained significant popularity in the late 20th century. The name Ross is often associated with Scottish landscapes and history, particularly due to its connection with Ross-shire, a historic county in northern Scotland. Despite its Scottish heritage, Ross has been widely adopted around the world, appearing frequently in many English-speaking countries. It can also be used as a surname, again of Scottish origin.
The name Ross experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with the number of annual births ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 16. The name's most popular period seems to have been between 1982 and 1986, during which there were at least 14 births each year. However, even in recent years (2015-2023), the name Ross continues to be given to an average of around 6 newborns per year, indicating a consistent, if somewhat diminished, level of popularity compared to its peak decades.