Jap
A boy's name with 25 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Jap hit its peak of 10 births in 1920, American naming still drew heavily from family heritage, religious tradition, and the cultural norms of the time.
Today, Jap reads as a vintage revival candidate — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Jap is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Jap is a boy's baby name that appears in American records as a rare given name, sometimes used historically as a short form of Jasper (from Persian Kaspar, meaning "treasurer") or as a regional nickname-turned-name. Its use as a formal given name is extremely limited and primarily found in historical records from the early-to-mid 20th century.
This name appears in the database primarily as a historical artifact from an earlier era of American naming, when shortened forms and nicknames were more commonly registered as formal given names.
EtymologyShow more
Jap is built from 3 letters and one syllable — a compact structure that favors quick recognition and easy recall.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Jap creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. One-syllable names stand out for their directness. Every sound carries weight, making pronunciation and first impressions immediate.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Jap has 4+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1918.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 20 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 5 | — |
The Story of Jap
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1920, Jap is a name steeped in history. Boys named Jap are most likely born between 1918 and 1923.
How rare is Jap?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Jap is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1918, peaked in the 1920s with 20 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(4 years, 1918–1923)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1923 | 5 | #4537 |
| 1922 | 5 | #4623 |
| 1920 | 10 | #2865 |
| 1918 | 5 | #4474 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jap a boy's or girl's name?
When was Jap most popular?
How popular is the name Jap?
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1918–1923