Cape
A boy's name of Old English origin with 15 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 15 babies have been named Cape in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
Cape is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Cape is a rare masculine name derived from the English geographical term — a cape being a headland or promontory that juts boldly into the sea. As a name, it carries the imagery of land meeting ocean: a point of definition, a place where you stand and look out at everything ahead.
Single-syllable place-inspired names like Bay, Lake, and Ridge have been gaining ground as parents seek names that feel grounded in the natural world without being obvious flower or bird names. Cape has a particular boldness — it's the edge of something, which is a compelling thing to be.
EtymologyShow more
Cape first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2011. A twenty-first-century entry, Cape belongs to the newest generation of American names — often coined, blended, or borrowed from international sources.
Its Old English classification suggests a path from old english linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Cape has 2+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2011.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 9 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 6 | — |
The Story of Cape
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2023, Cape is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Cape are most likely born between 2013 and 2023.
How rare is Cape?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Cape is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2011, peaked in the 2020s with 9 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(2 years, 2011–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 | #8363 |
| 2011 | 6 | #11042 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cape a boy's or girl's name?
When was Cape most popular?
How popular is the name Cape?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2011–2023