Captain

“chief” — Embodies leadership qualities and has been used in various

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#4905US 2023

20Births / yr

↓Falling

371All-time births

📅 Since 188300.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Captain

KAPT·un

/ˈkæpt.ən/ · stress on KAPT · 2 syllables

“chief”

Embodies leadership qualities and has been used in various · American origin

What does Captain mean and where does it come from?

Captain is derived from the Latin 'capitanus', meaning 'chief' or 'leader'. While traditionally a title for a military or naval officer, it can be used as a given name. The name embodies leadership qualities and has been used in various cultures. Notable figures with the name include Captain Ahab fr

Cultural significance

Captain has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #744 in 1887 — currently #4905 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Captain?

Captain works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Captain Grace

How popular is Captain right now?

Falling — down 584 spots — currently #4905 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#4905 · Top 3.6%

1910

1920

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4905	20	▼ down 584 · -17% births
2022	#4321	24	▲ up 638 · +26% births
2021	#4959	19	▼ down 454 · -10% births
2020	#4505	21	▼ down 422 · -16% births
2015	#4083	25	▲ up 2620 · +108% births
2010	#6703	12	▲ up 2440 · +71% births
2005	#9143	7	▼ down 4806 · +40% births
1920	#4337	5	▼ down 2855 · -17% births
1910	#1482	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Captain

Best Year1910Rank #1482

Peak Count25

Average Rank#4938

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 20239 years

The story of Captain

Captain has been a beloved American name for over 141 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1883. With 371 total births recorded, Captain remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1482 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4905 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Captain in 1887:

John William James George Charles

Captain by decade

Captain peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	13
1900s	5
1910s	24
1920s	18
1930s	5
1940s	5
1950s	5
1980s	6
2000s	35
2010s ★	234
2020s	21

💎Captain has only 371 total recorded births since 1883 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Captain?

Common

CapCaAptain

What names sound and feel like Captain?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Captain also consider these

Kaptain

English · leader of a

Chastain

American · From the chestnut

American · Likely a modern

Antwain

American · alternative spelling of

Jamain

American · Derived from the

Common questions about the name Captain

What does the name Captain mean?

Captain means "English" — 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 Captain?

Captain is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Captain?

Captain 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 Captain?

Captain is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 P T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Captain a common or rare name?

Captain is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.