Cap

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAP /ˈkæp/High

Meaning: Cap is a short word and nickname, most often from 'captain' (a leader) or the word 'cap.' As a given name it reads as a breezy, informal pick, and we note the route is uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: A snappy one-beat name: Cap reads as a nickname from 'captain' (said 'KAP'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningCap is a short word and nickname, most often from 'captain' (a leader) or the word 'cap.' As a given name it reads as a breezy, informal pick, and we note the route is uncertain.

U.S. rank (2024)#12601 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1885

Total births (all-time)≈ 104

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cap is a short word and nickname, usually from 'captain' or the word 'cap.' As a given name it reads as informal and rare, and we note the uncertain route. A snappy single beat (said 'KAP').

It is very rare as a formal first name for boys in the U.S. Rare, breezy, and short.

Did you know? Cap is a breezy nickname — most often short for 'captain,' with its whiff of leadership. It has a friendly, old-timey ring as a first name, its route uncertain, which we note (said 'KAP').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Cap — word/nickname from 'captain'; route uncertain

Variations

CappCappy

Nicknames

CappyC

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cap…

Chip— a like breezy one-beat nickname

Gus— a like short vintage nickname

Hank— a like friendly informal name

Beau— a like easy short pick

Explore names like Cap

By themeuncertain word-name short nickname

By meaningGift / Blessing Leader

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cap mean?

Cap is a short word and nickname, most often from 'captain'; the route is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Cap?

It's said KAP /ˈkæp/ — one syllable.

Is Cap a boy or girl name?

Here Cap is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Cap?

Cap is very rare as a formal first name for boys in the U.S.