Hap
A boy's name of Old English origin with 19 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 19 babies have been named Hap 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.
In the most recent SSA release, Hap ranks #11381 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Hap is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, from the Old English/Middle English hap — meaning 'luck, fortune, chance.' The word 'happy' derives from this root ('lucky' was the original meaning), and 'haphazard' carries its randomness. As a name, Hap carries the aspiration of fortunate chance — the person who is blessed with good luck, who finds fortune where others find difficulty.
Hap carries the Old English aspiration of genuine fortune — the luck that is not random but seems to follow certain people everywhere, the fortunate chance that consistently favors those with the right character to receive and use it. A name for someone who will be known for being consistently, reliably, mysteriously fortunate.
EtymologyShow more
Hap first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2016. A twenty-first-century entry, Hap 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
Hap has 3+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2016.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 6 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 13 | — |
The Story of Hap
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Hap is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Hap are most likely born between 2016 and 2024.
How rare is Hap?
Only about 1 in every 600,000 babies born in 2024 was named Hap — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2016, peaked in the 2010s with 13 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(3 years, 2016–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | #11381 |
| 2017 | 8 | #9133 |
| 2016 | 5 | #12898 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2016–2024