Chip
Chip is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Man, free man, or bearer of Christ (as a diminutive of Charles or Christopher); informally 'chip off the old block'.
Origin and history
Chip originated as a traditional English diminutive, often used as a nickname for Charles or Christopher, or for a son who is a 'chip off the old block'. In the United States, it is occasionally registered as an independent legal name, though it remains relatively uncommon. It carries a friendly, mid-century casual appeal.
Popularity in the United States
3,493 babies in the United States have been named Chip since 1880. It ranks #2165 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1706.
States where it is most popular
- CA (16.2 %)
- TX (13.6 %)
- OH (12.7 %)
- GA (10.1 %)
- NC (6.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 138 |
| 1950-1960 | 781 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,229 |
| 1970-1980 | 566 |
| 1980-1990 | 273 |
| 1990-2000 | 73 |
| 2000-2010 | 48 |
| 2010-2019 | 164 |
| 2020-2029 | 221 |
Famous people named Chip
- Chip Gaines: Television host, Entrepreneur
- Chip Foose: Automotive designer, Television personality
- Chip Kelly: American football coach
Fun facts
- Chip historically arose as a familial nickname meant to signify a son who resembled his father, as in a 'chip off the old block'.
- The name has been widely popularized through fictional characters, including Disney's Chip 'n' Dale and Chip from Beauty and the Beast.