MallowbyNames

Draper

DRAY-per · One who made or sold drapery (cloth or clothing).

Peak popularity
1980
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2018

Declining since 2018.

Popularity of Draper since 1921

Babies named Draper per year in U.S. Social Security records.

15314619602000Most births 1980Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1920s10
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s125
1980s130
1990s16
2000s46
2010s81
2020s24

Meaning & origin

Draper is a surname-turned-first-name that follows a well-worn English pattern. Its first recorded U.S. use was in 1921, rising to a modest peak in 1980 (the peak year) before fading from the top 1,000. The name has been on a downward trajectory since 2018, but its rarity may appeal to parents seeking an occupational surname with a crisp, professional sound. With no top states on record, Draper's use is scattered, making it a distinctive choice that avoids the ubiquity of similar surnames like Cooper or Mason.

Draper is an English occupational surname derived from Middle English 'draper' (one who sells cloth). The name traces back to Old French 'drapier', from 'drap' (cloth). As a given name, it emerged in the early 20th century, following the trend of using surnames as first names. It saw modest use in the 1920s and 1930s, then declined until a resurgence in the 2010s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Dray

Sibling names for Draper

Names that share Draper's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Draper, our favorite little boy.

D is for Draper…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Draper's letter becomes Draper's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Draper's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Draper mean?
Draper is an English occupational name meaning 'cloth dealer' or 'seller of drapery'.
How popular is Draper right now?
Draper last ranked among U.S. births in 1980, with a peak that year. It dropped off the top 1,000 but has seen renewed interest in recent years, though it still falls below the cutoff for 2025.
Is Draper a boy or girl name?
Draper is traditionally masculine, and the U.S. data shows it given almost exclusively to boys.