Declining since 2022, #2,332 for boys today.
Popularity of Rip since 1938
Babies named Rip per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 8 |
| 1950s | 82 |
| 1960s | 52 |
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 8 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 24 |
| 2020s | 472 |
Meaning & origin
Rip is a short, punchy name that has seen a recent surge in popularity. First recorded in 1938, it spent decades as a rare choice but jumped in rank starting around 2020, peaking in 2021. As of 2025, it ranks 2332, with about 1 in 28950 boy births, though its trajectory has been falling since 2022. The name is most common in Florida. While its meaning is often tied to the fictional character Rip Van Winkle, many parents choose it for its strong, clipped sound and modern appeal.
Rip first appeared as a given name in the United States in the late 1930s, likely influenced by the character Rip Van Winkle from Washington Irving's 1819 story. Its usage as a standalone name surged after 2020, possibly due to celebrity influence. It is also occasionally a variant of Ripton or a nickname for names like Robert or Ripley.
Where Rip is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Rip
Names that share Rip's style, for a brother or sister.
