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Pepper

♀ Girl

Pronounced PEH-puhr /ˈpɛ.pəɹ/Medium

Meaning: An English vocabulary name from the word for the spice 'pepper' (ultimately from Latin 'piper'), used as a lively nickname-style given name.Medium

In 30 seconds: Pepper is an English word name from the spice, ultimately from the Latin 'piper'.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningAn English vocabulary name from the word for the spice 'pepper' (ultimately from Latin 'piper'), used as a lively nickname-style given name.

U.S. rank (2025)#1907 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births102 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,304

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

The name borrows the everyday word for the kitchen spice, which traces back through English to the Latin 'piper'. Used as a given name, it carries a lively, spirited energy, the kind of bright nickname that became a name in its own right. It sits comfortably among playful American vocabulary names.

Its punchy two beats and repeated 'p' give it an upbeat, spunky sound.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Pepper is 'origin uncertain', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name - Pepper — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Pepper…

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Wilder— a fellow English choice

Spencer— echoes that soft -er sound

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Pepper mean?

Pepper is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with English tradition.

How do you pronounce Pepper?

It's commonly said PEH-puhr /ˈpɛ.pəɹ/.

Is Pepper a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Pepper is used as a girl name.

How popular is Pepper?

In 2024, Pepper ranked #1627 in the U.S. for girls, with 127 births recorded.