Find out how popular the first name Viper has been for the last 1 years (from 2023 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Viper by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Viper is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Viper.

The history of the first name Viper

The given name Viper has its origins in the Latin word "vipera," which means "venomous snake." This name is closely associated with the viper snake species and is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word "vip," meaning "to tremble or shiver," perhaps referring to the snake's distinctive movement.

The earliest recorded use of the name Viper can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where it was sometimes used as a nickname or descriptive term for individuals who were perceived as cunning, dangerous, or quick-tempered. In the Middle Ages, the name may have been used metaphorically to refer to individuals with a sharp tongue or those who were perceived as venomous in their speech or actions.

One of the earliest historical references to the name Viper can be found in the ancient Roman text "Naturalis Historia" by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), where he described various species of vipers and their characteristics. However, it is unclear if the name was used as a given name during this time period.

The first recorded individual with the given name Viper appears to be Viper of Mundi (c. 1120-1190), a French monk and scholar who wrote a treatise on the medicinal properties of vipers and other serpents. Another notable figure was Viper di Capua (c. 1230-1295), an Italian physician and botanist who authored several works on the use of vipers in traditional medicine.

In the 16th century, Viper Wydeville (1485-1557) was an English courtier and diplomat who served under King Henry VIII. During the Renaissance period, the name Viper was sometimes used by artists and writers as a symbolic or metaphorical name, reflecting the complex and often contradictory perceptions of snakes as both dangerous and revered creatures.

In the 18th century, Viper Rousseau (1712-1778) was a French philosopher and writer who was known for his work on social and political theory. Another notable figure was Viper Shelley (1792-1822), an English Romantic poet and playwright who was part of the Romantic movement in literature.

Throughout history, the name Viper has been associated with a sense of danger, mystery, and cunning, reflecting the symbolic significance of the viper snake in various cultures and belief systems. While not a common given name, it has been used sporadically throughout history, often reflecting the complex and sometimes contradictory attitudes towards serpents in different societies and time periods.

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

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