Skipper Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Skipper originates from Middle English, derived from the term for a ship's captain. Its meaning relates to nautical leadership. The name has evolved from Old Norse through Middle English to its current form. While it does not have biblical relevance, it carries connotations of adventure and command in contemporary culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Skipper"
Pronunciation
/ˈskɪpər/
Origin
Middle English
Etymology
The name Skipper is derived from the Middle English word 'skippeer,' which referred to a ship's captain or someone who navigates a vessel. The term itself is believed to have roots in the Old Norse word 'skipari,' meaning 'shipmaster.'
Meaning
ship's captain, pilot
Language Evolution
Old Norse: skipari, Middle English: skippeer, Modern English: skipper
Historical Usage
The name Skipper was used historically as a term for someone in charge of a ship, and it gained popularity as a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in maritime communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Skip, Skippy
Modern Popularity & Image
In modern times, Skipper is often perceived as a friendly and adventurous name, associated with nautical themes and leadership.
Famous People
Skipper (American television personality), Skipper (character from the animated series 'Gilligan's Island')
📊 Skipper Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Skipper Name Visualizations
✨ Skipper Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 33 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in South Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Skipper"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Skipper"
"Skipper" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3627th of 6773 | 76 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1710th of 7552 | 398 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2249th of 10718 | 286 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7696th of 16616 | 64 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 28476th of 30306 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Skipper" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
70.66% 2016th/2853 |
60.61% 1682nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
50.91% 2059th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Skipper" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Skipper"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Skipper" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Skipper" in the United States
The name Skipper is most popular in South Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Skipper has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Skipper' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3627th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1710th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2249th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7696th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 28476th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Skipper' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.