Pippin is a unique and charming given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German word "Pippin", which means "small". This name has been popular throughout history, notably being used by several members of the Carolingian dynasty in France.
The most famous Pippin is likely Charlemagne's grandfather, Pipin III, also known as Pepin le Bref. He was a Frankish king who ruled from 751 to 768 and played a significant role in shaping medieval Europe. Other notable figures with the name include his son Pepin of Italy and his grandson Charlemagne.
Despite its historical significance, Pippin remains relatively rare as a given name today. However, it has been used by several notable individuals, such as Pippin Ferrero, an American ballet dancer, and Pippin Foster, a British actress.
In literature, Pippin is also the name of one of the hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," although this character was likely named after the Old English word for "hillock." Nevertheless, this fictional Pippin has contributed to the name's popularity and association with warmth and charm.
Overall, Pippin is a distinctive and appealing given name with a rich historical heritage. Its meaning, "small," may seem simple, but it can also be interpreted as endearing or delicate, adding to its charm.
The name Pippin has seen a varied but steady presence in the United States over the past decade and a half. Between 2009 and 2023, there have been a total of 53 babies named Pippin born in the U.S., with an average of about 4 births per year during this period.
The name's popularity has fluctuated slightly from year to year. In 2009, there were 5 babies named Pippin, followed by a slight increase to 7 births each in 2012 and 2016. There was another rise in popularity between 2017 and 2018, with 7 and 9 births respectively. However, the number of births decreased again in 2022 with 8 babies named Pippin, and then to 5 births in 2023.
Despite these variations, the name Pippin has maintained a consistent level of usage throughout this time frame. It is clear that while not extremely common, the name Pippin continues to be chosen by parents for their children in the United States. Each child named Pippin brings a unique and distinctive touch to the population, contributing to the rich diversity of names found across the country.