Find out how popular the first name Papa has been for the last 31 years (from 1993 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Papa by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Papa is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Papa.

The history of the first name Papa

The name Papa is rooted in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin word "pāpa," which means "father" or "daddy." This term was initially used as a term of endearment and respect for a male parental figure.

In the early days of Christianity, the word "papa" was adopted as a title for bishops and other high-ranking clergy members within the Catholic Church. It eventually became the official title for the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, further solidifying its association with religious authority and reverence.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Papa appears in the Bible. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus refers to God as "Abba," which is an Aramaic term similar to "papa" and connotes a familiar and intimate relationship between a child and their father.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Papa. In the 5th century, Pope Papa I reigned as the Bishop of Rome from 417 to 418 AD. Another prominent figure was Papa Westray, a Scottish poet and satirist who lived in the late 16th century and was known for his biting commentary on contemporary society.

In the realm of music, Papa Wemba, a Congolese singer and musician born in 1949, was a pioneering figure in the Soukous genre and became known as the "King of Rumba Rock." His real name was Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba.

Papa Haydn, born in 1732 and often referred to as the "Father of the Symphony," was an Austrian composer who made significant contributions to the development of classical music. His full name was Franz Joseph Haydn.

Another noteworthy individual was Papa Celestin, a New Orleans musician and bandleader born in 1884, who played a pivotal role in the early development of jazz music in the city. His real name was Alphonse Celestin.

While the name Papa has its roots in Latin and was initially associated with religious and familial contexts, it has since been adopted across various cultures and languages, often carrying connotations of respect, authority, and affection for a paternal figure.

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 Papa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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