Find out how popular the first name Chip has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chip by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Chip is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 32 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chip.

The history of the first name Chip

The name Chip is a diminutive form of the name Charles, which is derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "man" or "freeman." The name Karl was popularized by Charlemagne, the famous Frankish king and emperor who ruled in the late 8th and early 9th centuries.

The origin of the nickname Chip can be traced back to the Middle English period, when the name Charles was often shortened to forms like Charly or Charley. Over time, these nicknames further evolved into the diminutive form Chip, which became a common pet name or shortened form of Charles.

While the name Chip itself does not have any direct historical references or appearances in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its origins can be linked to the widespread use and popularity of the name Charles throughout European history.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Chip being used as a first name can be found in the 17th century. Chip Kendall, an English pirate active in the Caribbean during the late 1600s, was known by this name, though his full name remains uncertain.

Another notable figure with the first name Chip was Chip Hilton, the protagonist of a series of sports fiction books written by Clair Bee between 1948 and 1966. These books, aimed at young readers, featured the adventures of a high school athlete named Chip Hilton.

In the world of entertainment, Chip Douglas was the stage name of an American singer-songwriter and record producer who was born John Douglas Hendricks in 1925 and passed away in 2015. He was best known for his work with the pop group The Monkees.

Chip Esten, born in 1975, is an American actor and singer best known for his role as Deacon Claybourne in the television series Nashville.

Chip Kelly, born in 1963, is a former American football coach who gained acclaim for his innovative offensive strategies while coaching at the University of Oregon and in the National Football League.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the first name Chip, a diminutive form of Charles with roots dating back to the Middle English period and the Germanic name Karl.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chip was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chip, please contact us.

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