Hap

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAP /ˈhæp/High

Meaning: The English word hap, 'luck, chance, good fortune' (the root of 'happy' and 'happen'), used as a short given name; it also serves as a friendly nickname for Harold or Happy. A breezy word/nickname pick.Low

In 30 seconds: A breezy one-beat name: Hap means 'luck, good fortune' — also a nickname for Harold or Happy (said 'HAP').

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningThe English word hap, 'luck, chance, good fortune' (the root of 'happy' and 'happen'), used as a short given name; it also serves as a friendly nickname for Harold or Happy. A breezy word/nickname pick.

U.S. rank (2024)#11381 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 19

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

Hap comes from the English word for 'luck, chance, good fortune,' the source of 'happy' and 'happen.' As a given name it is short and genial, and it has long served as a nickname for Harold or Happy (said 'HAP').

As a first name it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, short, and cheerful.

Did you know? Hap is an old English word for 'luck' — the root behind 'happy' and 'happen.' It doubles as a cheerful nickname for Harold or Happy, said 'HAP.'

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Hap — English 'hap' ('luck'); nickname for Harold/Happy

Variations

HappHop

Nicknames

HappyH

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hap…

Gus— a like short, genial nickname-name

Bo— another tiny friendly name

Chip— a like cheerful short choice

Kip— lands in the same popularity range

Hall— the same short feel

Explore names like Hap

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hap mean?

Hap is an English word meaning 'luck, good fortune'; it's also a nickname for Harold or Happy.

How do you pronounce Hap?

It's said HAP /ˈhæp/ — one syllable.

Is Hap a boy or girl name?

Hap is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Hap?

Hap is a rare given name in the U.S.