← All names

Piper

Girl name · 531 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Piper: 531 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 56 births in 2018.

With its roots in Old English and Old French, Piper originally described someone who played the pipes, evolving from an occupational surname into a given name. It gained modern prominence through actresses like Piper Laurie, star of *Carrie*, and Piper Perabo, known for *Coyote Ugly*, while the character Piper Chapman in *Orange Is the New Black* further cemented its contemporary appeal. The name shares its etymological core with the musical instrument itself, though no major place names derive directly from it. Once almost exclusively masculine, Piper has surged in popularity for girls since the late 20th century, now firmly established as a cheerful, melodic choice that balances a playful sound with a crafty, historical edge.