Piper

Piper is a contemporary English first name for girls that traces back to an old English surname derived from the term for 'bagpiper' or 'flutist'.

What does the name Piper mean?

Piper is a female first name of English origin that has developed from an old occupational surname. The meaning of the name is 'the bagpiper' or 'the flutist'. Primarily, this name is used in English-speaking regions, with particular prevalence in the USA. As a surname, it can also be found in Germany. Notable bearers of this name include American actresses Piper Laurie († 2023) and Piper Perabo.

Where does the name Piper come from?

The first name Piper has its roots in Old English and means 'the bagpiper' or 'the flutist'. The Old English word pipere stands for bagpiper or flutist. The language from which this name originates is American English.

How do you pronounce Piper?

The pronunciation of Piper is two syllables and fluid. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Pai-per' [ˈpaɪpɐ], with the first syllable starting with a diphthong that immediately conveys a sense of movement and dynamism. The following syllable brings more calm and stability. The final 'r' provides a gentle and slightly resonant conclusion. Overall, the name Piper has a modern, balanced sound – lively, clear, and harmonious.

Popularity

In Germany, Piper is a rather rare first name. Currently, it ranks 5,884th on the list of the most common female first names. The name was most successful in 2006, when it reached 906th place. In the last ten years, Piper has been given as a first name about 60 times, placing it 3,249th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 3,085th.

Nicknames & pet names

Pip / Pipe / Pipes / Pips

Famous people

• Piper Chapman (main character in the series 'Orange Is The New Black')
• Piper Curda (American actress)
• Piper Davis (baseball player from the USA)
• Piper Dellums (American writer)
• Piper Halliwell (character from the US series *Charmed*)
• Piper Hard (character from Henry Danger)
• Piper Kerman (writer from Germany)
• Piper Laurie (actress)
• Piper Mackenzie Harris (actress from the USA)
• Piper McLean (character from 'Heroes of Olympus - The Lost Hero')
• Piper Perabo (actress (e.g., from Coyote Ugly or From Woman to Woman))
• Piper Reese (American actress)
• Piper Rockelle (American actress, model)
• Piper Wright (character from Fallout 4)