Declining since 2012, #4,139 for boys today.
Popularity of Champ since 1881
Babies named Champ per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Champ's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 11 |
| 1890s | 18 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 161 |
| 1920s | 104 |
| 1930s | 63 |
| 1940s | 84 |
| 1950s | 68 |
| 1960s | 29 |
| 1970s | 23 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 183 |
| 2010s | 349 |
| 2020s | 179 |
Meaning & origin
Champ is a straightforward name taken directly from the English word for a winner. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1881 and reached its peak popularity in 1912, when it ranked at its highest. Since 2012, its usage has been falling, and by 2025, only about 1 in 68,323 newborn boys received the name, landing at rank 4,139. The name has never been concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its sporadic, nationwide use. For parents seeking an aspirational, one-syllable name with a clear, positive meaning, Champ offers a concise option that stands out from more traditional choices.
Champ is derived from the English word champion, itself from Latin campio (fighter), via Old French. It emerged as a given name in the late 19th century, likely as a nickname for a competitive child or as a direct use of the aspirational term. The name saw peak usage in the 1910s but has since become rare.
Sibling names for Champ
Names that share Champ's style, for a brother or sister.
