Fun Facts About the Name Pape
- 128 babies named Pape: U.S. records list 128 babies given the name Pape from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Pape Mean?
In European use, Pape is chiefly a surname that has been adopted as a given name. In French and English use it comes from Old French pape, "pope," a word descended from Latin papa and Greek pappas, an affectionate term for "father" that early Christians also used as a title for bishops. In German, Dutch, and Scandinavian use, the related Low German word pape meant "priest," likewise from Latin papa. The usual meanings are therefore "pope" and "priest." In Senegal, Pape is a common male given name, but its derivation there is not securely established and should not be conflated with the European surname.
Pape Name History & Origins
The European surname Pape is found in England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. In England and France it derives from Old French pape, "pope." A surname of this kind could have begun as a nickname for someone who played the pope in a mystery play, for a person attached to a papal household, or for someone thought to have papal airs. In German, Dutch, and Scandinavian regions, Pape is usually explained from Middle Low German pape, "priest," and served as a byname for a priest or for someone connected with a priest. In English and French use, the given name is a later transferred use of the surname rather than an inherited medieval personal name. In Senegal, Pape is used as a male given name, often in compounds such as Pape Moussa and Pape Abdoulaye; that usage has its own modern history, and its origin is uncertain.
How Popular is the Name Pape?
Pape has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2001. Its best rank was #5,593 in 2001.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | #13,813 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2019 | #10,526 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2018 | #11,782 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2016 | #11,768 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2011 | #8,591 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2008 | #7,574 | 11 | 0.0005% |
| 2007 | #10,603 | 7 | 0.0003% |
| 2006 | #8,561 | 9 | 0.0004% |
| 2005 | #8,892 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2004 | #6,863 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2003 | #7,102 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2002 | #6,407 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2001 | #5,593 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2000 | #7,253 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1998 | #9,327 | 6 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with P
Short Boy Names That Start with P
How the Name Pape Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You have a power of expression, either in speaking or writing. You are in favor for studying and research. You are clever, clear-sighted and intellectual. You don't like to let others know your true feelings. You might be atheistic or agnostic. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.
You are always looking for an opportunity to achieve financial and emotional security. You are basically peacemaker. You understand the law of harmony and desire to balance your life with those around you. You may feel incomplete without someone to share your love, ideals, wealth or work. You can be very sensitive and could appear a bit shy and perceptive. You have developed intuition, patience and the ability to nurture others. You can achieve the state of happiness if you are willing to accept your needs in a complimentary relationship and go to create them.
✦ Pape's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Pape's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.