Holding steady.
Popularity of Chapin since 1922
Babies named Chapin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 10 |
| 1930s | 0 | 6 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 10 |
| 1980s | 0 | 66 |
| 1990s | 34 | 79 |
| 2000s | 11 | 56 |
| 2010s | 0 | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Chapin is an uncommon choice with English surname origins. First recorded as a given name in 1922, it experienced its peak in 1986, yet has never entered the top 1,000 names in the United States. The trajectory has remained stable, suggesting a consistent but niche usage. Its meaning is uncertain, possibly derived from Old French 'chapin' for 'shoemaker' or from a place name. Chapin carries a preppy, distinguished aura, reminiscent of the musician Harry Chapin, though its usage remains rare. For parents seeking a distinctive name with surname flair and a touch of old-world craftsmanship, Chapin offers an offbeat alternative to more common surname-names.
Chapin is primarily an English surname, possibly derived from the Old French word 'chapin', meaning 'shoemaker', or from a place name. It has been used as a given name in the United States since the early 20th century, peaking in the 1980s. Its rarity and surname feel give it a distinctive, preppy character.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chap
Sibling names for Chapin
Names that share Chapin's style, for a brother or sister.

