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 › Skipper

Skipper

♂ Boy

Pronounced SKIP-ur /ˈskɪp.ər/Medium

Meaning: The English word skipper, 'the captain of a ship or team,' from the Dutch schipper. Long used as a breezy, affectionate nickname.Low

In 30 seconds: A breezy word-name: Skipper means 'a ship's captain' (said 'SKIP-ur'). Playful and rare.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumEnglish, Dutch
MeaningThe English word skipper, 'the captain of a ship or team,' from the Dutch schipper. Long used as a breezy, affectionate nickname.
U.S. rank (1990)#9312 ↘ Falling
1990 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1962
Total births (all-time)≈ 824

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196219371990

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

Skipper comes from the English word for 'the captain of a ship or team' (from the Dutch schipper). It has long served as a breezy nickname and reads playful and nautical as a given name — rare in the U.S. (said 'SKIP-ur').

It appears only rarely as a first name in the U.S. Rare, nautical, and playful.

Did you know? Skipper is the English word for 'a ship's captain,' from the Dutch schipper — long a lively, affectionate nickname (said 'SKIP-ur').
Overall data confidence 46%
References — Skipper — English/Dutch 'ship's captain'; nickname

Variations

SkipSkippSkypper

Nicknames

SkipSkippy

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Skipper…

Scout— a like spirited word-name
Ranger— a like adventurous word-name
Chase— a like breezy modern name
Gunnar— a like sturdy nickname-name

Explore names like Skipper

By themeword-nameplayfulnauticalnickname-style

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Skipper mean?

Skipper is the English word for 'a ship's captain,' from the Dutch schipper; long used as a nickname.

How do you pronounce Skipper?

It's said SKIP-ur /ˈskɪp.ər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Skipper a boy or girl name?

Skipper is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Skipper?

Skipper is a very rare first name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia