Kip

“A short form of the name 'Kipp'; it can mean 'to point' or 'to keep'.”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 98% boys♀ 2% girls

#705US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

8.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 194700

How to pronounce Kip

KIP

/ˈkɪp/ · stress on KIP · 1 syllable

“A short form of the name 'Kipp'; it can mean 'to point' or 'to keep'.”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Kip mean and where does it come from?

Kip is often used as a nickname or diminutive form of other names such as Kippin or others beginning with 'Kip-'. Although primarily known as a masculine name, it has recently been embraced as a gender-neutral or feminine name. The name is more commonly seen in the United States and began gaining tr

Cultural significance

Kip has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a short form of the name 'kipp'; it can mean 'to point' or 'to keep'..

Peak popularity

Reached #2901 in 1956 — currently #705 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Kip?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Kipp

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Kip?

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

Kip Grace

How popular is Kip right now?

Holding steady — currently #705 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#705 · Top 0.52%

1955

1960

1965

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#705	1,495	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#710	1,475	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#715	1,445	▲ up 7670 · +20543% births
1980	#8385	7	▼ down 4743 · -46% births
1965	#3642	13	▲ up 1352 · +63% births
1960	#4994	8	▼ down 1032 · -20% births
1955	#3962	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kip

Best Year2023Rank #705

Peak Count1,495

Average Rank#3302

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1955 - 20237 years

The story of Kip

Kip entered American naming records in 1947 and has been in use for over 77 years. With 8,130 total births recorded, Kip remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3962 in 1955 to #705 in 2023. Kip is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kip in 1956:

Mary Debra Linda Deborah Susan

Kip by decade

Kip peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	26
1940s	387
1950s	1,508
1960s ★	2,707
1970s	1,351
1980s	836
1990s	454
2000s	254
2010s	525
2020s	82

💎With 8,130 total births, Kip is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kip?

Common

KipieKipy

What names sound and feel like Kip?

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

Kipp

American · A small hill

Kid

American · young goat, child

American · pure; keeper of

Kin

American · family; relative

Kix

American · to kick

Kippy

American · A small or

Common questions about the name Kip

What does the name Kip mean?

Kip means "A short form of the name 'Kipp'; it can mean 'to point' or 'to keep'." — 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 Kip?

Kip is currently ranked #705 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Kip?

Kip 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 Kip?

Kip is a one-syllable name pronounced K IH1 P. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Kip sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Kip flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kip ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.