Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Pope

Pope

♂ Boy

Pronounced POHP /ˈpoʊp/High

Meaning: Pope is the title of the Bishop of Rome, head of the Catholic Church, from Greek pappas ('father'). It is also a long-established English surname — originally a nickname for someone connected with a pope's household or with a church play — carried by the poet Alexander Pope. Both facts are plain and we state them neutrally.Medium

In 30 seconds: One beat, two facts: Pope is the title of the head of the Catholic Church, and an English surname (said 'POHP').
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumEnglish, Greek
MeaningPope is the title of the Bishop of Rome, head of the Catholic Church, from Greek pappas ('father'). It is also a long-established English surname — originally a nickname for someone connected with a pope's household or with a church play — carried by the poet Alexander Pope. Both facts are plain and we state them neutrally.
U.S. rank (2024)#13695 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 78

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191819142024

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

Pope is, first, the title of the Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church — from Greek pappas, 'father.' It is also a long-standing English surname, originally a nickname for someone in a churchman's service or who played the part in a pageant. The poet Alexander Pope carried it into English letters. As a given name it is short and striking, and it carries the religious title plainly with it, which we note (said 'POHP').

In the U.S. it is very rare for boys. Rare, one-beat, and weighty.

Did you know? The word pope comes from Greek pappas, simply 'father.' It is the title of the head of the Catholic Church, and it is also an old English surname — the poet Alexander Pope is the best-known bearer. Both are true, and families choosing the name should know both.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Pope — papal title; Greek pappas 'father'; English surname (Alexander Pope)

Variations

PoopePopp

Nicknames

Popey

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Pope…

Bishop— a like church-title surname-name
Abbott— a similar ecclesiastical surname pick
Cash— a like one-beat modern choice
Royal— a similar title-flavored name

Explore names like Pope

By themeenglishword-nameshortsurname

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Pope mean?

Pope is the title of the head of the Catholic Church, from Greek pappas, 'father.' It is also an English surname, borne by the poet Alexander Pope.

How do you pronounce Pope?

It's said POHP /ˈpoʊp/ — one syllable, just like the word.

Is Pope a boy or girl name?

Pope is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Pope?

Pope is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia