What does Cap mean and where does it come from?
Cap is primarily used in the United States as a nickname or diminutive for names like 'Caprice' or 'Caplan'. It is also used in informal contexts to refer to someone as a leader or someone who 'tops' a certain category. The name has also been used for fictional characters and can carry a sense of wa
Cultural significance
Cap has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a diminutive form of various names, often short for 'capstone'.
Peak popularity
Reached #689 in 1885 — currently #9120 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cap?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cap?
Cap works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cap Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cap Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cap Claire
French influence · crisp
Cap Jane
Literary · strong
Cap Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cap right now?
Falling — down 4795 spots — currently #9120 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #9120 | 8 | ▼ down 4795 · +60% births |
| 1920 | #4325 | 5 | ▼ down 2957 |
| 1900 | #1368 | 5 | ▼ down 679 · -44% births |
| 1885 | #689 | 9 | — |
The story of Cap
Cap has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 91 total births recorded, Cap remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #689 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9120 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Cap in 1885:
Cap by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 20 | |
| 1890s | 16 | |
| 1900s | 11 | |
| 1910s ★ | 24 | |
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Cap has only 91 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cap?
What names sound and feel like Cap?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cap also consider these
Common questions about the name Cap
What does the name Cap mean?
Cap means "A diminutive form of various names, often short for 'Capstone'" — 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 Cap?
Cap is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cap?
Cap 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 Cap?
Cap is a one-syllable name pronounced K AE1 P. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Cap sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Cap flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cap ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.