Skipper
Primarily a boy's name of Dutch origin with 824 recorded births. Also given to 6 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Skipper is a boy's and girl's baby name of Dutch origin, from the Dutch schipper, meaning 'captain of a ship' or 'skipper.' The word transferred into English as a nickname for sea captains and ship masters, eventually finding its way into given-name use.
Skipper carries an irresistibly nautical, adventurous quality — breezy and bold, associated with open water and seafaring independence. It was used as a nickname name particularly in mid-twentieth-century America, fitting the era's enthusiasm for informal, upbeat names.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Skipper belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their active, energetic ending — often found in English occupational-style names. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Dutch naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Dutch names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Skipper’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Skipper has 51+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1937.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 68 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 172 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 234 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 204 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 121 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 20 | — |
The Story of Skipper
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1962, Skipper is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Boys named Skipper are most likely born between 1952 and 1972.
How rare is Skipper?
With 824 total births on record, Skipper remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1937, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1960s with 234 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Skipper by the numbers
- Would fill 17 school buses
- Meeting one Skipper per day would take 2.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(51 years, 1937–1990)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 5 | #9312 |
| 1989 | 8 | #6141 |
| 1987 | 5 | #7973 |
| 1985 | 6 | #6420 |
| 1984 | 5 | #7176 |
| 1983 | 7 | #5409 |
| 1982 | 11 | #3917 |
| 1981 | 17 | #2765 |
| 1980 | 9 | #4451 |
| 1979 | 9 | #4352 |
| 1978 | 15 | #2907 |
| 1977 | 20 | #2344 |
| 1976 | 18 | #2497 |
| 1975 | 16 | #2626 |
| 1974 | 18 | #2349 |
| 1973 | 23 | #1923 |
| 1972 | 14 | #2642 |
| 1971 | 19 | #2195 |
| 1970 | 20 | #2048 |
| 1969 | 22 | #1799 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Skipper as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Skipper has also been given to 6 girls in the U.S. since 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skipper a boy's or girl's name?
When was Skipper most popular?
How popular is the name Skipper?
Can Skipper be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1937–1990