What is the name of the first decentralized cryptocurrency?

The first decentralized cryptocurrency was Bitcoin.

Bitcoin was introduced in 2008 when the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto published its white paper, and its open-source network launched in January 2009. It combined public-key cryptography, peer-to-peer networking, and a blockchain ledger so participants could transfer digital value without relying on a central bank or payment company to maintain the transaction record.

The network is decentralized because copies of the ledger are maintained by many independent nodes, while consensus rules determine which transactions are accepted. Mining originally rewarded participants for helping secure the system and add blocks to the chain. Bitcoin is often called pseudonymous rather than anonymous: transactions are publicly visible, but addresses are not automatically tied to real-world names.

Ripple, Litecoin, and Ethereum appeared later or use different designs. Litecoin launched in 2011, while Ethereum launched in 2015. Bitcoin therefore remains the canonical answer to the historical “first decentralized cryptocurrency” question.