What does Bishop mean and where does it come from?
Although predominantly a male title in Christianity, Bishop has emerged as a female name in contemporary naming trends. It is often seen as a unique and modern choice, inspired by the increasing presence of women in leadership roles within the church. The name carries connotations of authority, guid
Cultural significance
Bishop has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a christian clergy member of high rank..
Peak popularity
Reached #6686 in 2019 — currently #1176 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bishop?
Bishop works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bishop Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bishop Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bishop Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bishop Claire
French influence · crisp
Bishop Jane
Literary · strong
Bishop Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bishop right now?
Falling — down 153 spots — currently #1176 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1176 | 174 | ▼ down 153 · -19% births |
| 2022 | #1023 | 216 | ▼ down 35 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #988 | 222 | ▲ up 6178 · +1380% births |
| 2020 | #7166 | 15 | — |
The story of Bishop
Bishop is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2003. With 6,069 total births recorded, Bishop remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7166 in 2020 to #1176 in 2023. Bishop is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bishop in 2019:
Bishop by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 93 | |
| 1890s | 110 | |
| 1900s | 111 | |
| 1910s | 274 | |
| 1920s | 313 | |
| 1930s | 187 | |
| 1940s | 200 | |
| 1950s | 173 | |
| 1960s | 104 | |
| 1970s | 97 | |
| 1980s | 102 | |
| 1990s | 756 | |
| 2000s | 1,422 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,897 | |
| 2020s | 230 | |
💎With 6,069 total births, Bishop is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Bishop?
What names sound and feel like Bishop?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bishop also consider these
Common questions about the name Bishop
What does the name Bishop mean?
Bishop means "A Christian clergy member of high rank." — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bishop?
Bishop is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Bishop?
Bishop originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bishop?
Bishop is a two-syllable name pronounced B IH1 SH AH0 P. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bishop a common or rare name?
Bishop is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.