A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kip since 1935
Babies named Kip per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 26 |
| 1940s | 376 |
| 1950s | 1,441 |
| 1960s | 2,639 |
| 1970s | 1,350 |
| 1980s | 828 |
| 1990s | 454 |
| 2000s | 254 |
| 2010s | 527 |
| 2020s | 673 |
Meaning & origin
Kip first appeared on U.S. records in 1935 and reached its peak popularity in 1965. Though never common, it has experienced a revival since 2010, with recent usage concentrated in states like Minnesota, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. The name's concise, friendly sound and literary echo from Rudyard Kipling give it a distinctive but approachable character, appealing to parents seeking a short, underused name with English roots.
Kip originated as a short form of the surname Kipling, derived from the Old English personal name Cyppeling, meaning 'family of Cyppel' or associated with a 'pointed hill.' It gained modest use as a given name in the mid-20th century, influenced by writer Rudyard Kipling. While rare, Kip has persisted as a concise, informal masculine name.
Where Kip is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Kip
Names that share Kip's style, for a brother or sister.
