Kip

Pronunciation: [ k-IHP ]

Boy Name #1,457 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

Short, sharp, and impossibly charming — Kip is the golden retriever of names

English American Dutch

Playful Vintage Minimalist Bold Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"pointed hill"

Origin: Middle English

Language: English

"short form of Kipling or Christopher"

Origin: English

Language: English

"chicken (separate Dutch usage)"

Origin: Dutch

Language: Dutch

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.

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

Famous People Named Kip

Kip Winger

Musician

1961

American rock musician and frontman of the band Winger

Kip Keino

Athlete

1940

Kenyan Olympic gold medalist in long-distance running, one of Africa's greatest athletes

Kip Dynamite Fictional

Other

Older brother of Napoleon Dynamite in the 2004 cult comedy film, known for his online romance and awkward charm

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

Kipp #2133 Kipton #3036

Pairs Well With

Kip James Kip Alexander Kip Thomas Kip Henry Kip Elliot Kip George Kip William

Sibling Names

Chip Wade Skip Blythe Cricket Meg Clem

Also a Girl Name

Kip is also used as a girl name, ranked #23417.

View Kip as a girl name →

Similar Names

Rip Chip Kipp Tripp Shiv Ripp

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.

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.

Kip