"pointed hill"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
Kip
Pronunciation: [ k-IHP ]
Does Kip flow with your last name?
Short, sharp, and impossibly charming — Kip is the golden retriever of names
English
American
Dutch
Playful
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Bold
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"short form of Kipling or Christopher"
Origin: English
Language: English
"chicken (separate Dutch usage)"
Origin: Dutch
Language: Dutch
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Things to Know About This Name
- May be seen as a pet name or nickname rather than a formal given name
The Story of Kip
Kip has two possible origins: it may come from the Middle English 'kip' meaning a pointed hill or a small shed, or it may be a Dutch/Flemish name. In the Netherlands, Kip is indeed used as a given name. In English-speaking countries, it has sometimes been used as a short form of Kipling or Christopher. The name conveys a jaunty, casual energy that was popular mid-20th century.
Kip was a recognizable name in mid-20th century America, often associated with a cheerful, boyish character. It never ranked high on official charts but appeared frequently in fiction and film from the 1950s-1970s. The name Napoleon Dynamite's brother Kip brought some recent attention to it.
In American English, 'Kip' carries the relaxed, friendly tone of a simpler era. In Dutch culture, it is an established given name. The British slang 'kip' means a nap or sleep, which doesn't carry over negatively to the name.
Historical Record
Kip first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 8,063 babies have been named Kip in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kip is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,457 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In British slang, 'kip' means a nap or sleep
- The character Kip Dynamite in the 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite gave the name a comedic modern association
- Rudyard Kipling's nickname was 'Kip', which may have inspired the name's use as a given name
Kip in Other Languages
Dutch
Kip
French
Kip
English
Kip
Japanese
キップ
Afrikaans
Kip
Popularity Over Time
#1,457
Current Rank
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kip
K
Kip Winger
Musician
1961
American rock musician and frontman of the band Winger
K
Kip Keino
Athlete
1940
Kenyan Olympic gold medalist in long-distance running, one of Africa's greatest athletes
K
Kip Dynamite Fictional
Other
Older brother of Napoleon Dynamite in the 2004 cult comedy film, known for his online romance and awkward charm
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Compare Kip with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,457
- Total SSA Count
- 124
- Cultural Origins
- English American Dutch
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kip
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kip is also used as a girl name, ranked #23417.
View Kip as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Latin/Old English origin
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Scottish/Old English origin
"winding valley"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kip
What does the name Kip mean?
"pointed hill" (from Middle English). "short form of Kipling or Christopher" (from English). "chicken (separate Dutch usage)" (from Dutch). Kip has two possible origins: it may come from the Middle English 'kip' meaning a pointed hill or a small shed, or it may be a Dutch/Flemish name. In the Netherlands, Kip is indeed used as a given name. In English-speaking countries, it has sometimes been used as a short form of Kipling or Christopher. The name conveys a jaunty, casual energy that was popular mid-20th century.
What is the origin of the name Kip?
Kip has Middle English, English, Dutch, and American origins. In Middle English, it means "pointed hill". In English, it means "short form of Kipling or Christopher". In Dutch, it means "chicken (separate Dutch usage)".
Is Kip a boy or girl name?
Kip is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1457. As a girl name, it is ranked #23417. Kip is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kip?
Kip is pronounced k-IHP.
How popular is the name Kip?
Kip is currently ranked #1457 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kip?
Popular middle name pairings include Kip James, Kip Alexander, Kip Thomas, Kip Henry, Kip Elliot, Kip George, and Kip William.
What are good sibling names for Kip?
Names that pair well with Kip as siblings include Chip, Wade, Skip, Blythe, Cricket, Meg, and Clem.
How many syllables does Kip have?
Kip has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kip a common or rare name?
Kip is an uncommon name, ranked #1457 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kip?
About the Name Kip
Kip is a boy name with English, American, and Dutch origins . The name means "pointed hill" in Middle English .
Is Kip a boy or girl name? Kip is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,457 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #23,417. Kip is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kip is currently ranked #1,457 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kip has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-IHP, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kip include Kipp, Kipton . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis