UK boy's name
Pape
A French occupational surname referring to a pope-like person.
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2020. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Pape is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Pape popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2020 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4608, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2005, with 3 births.
This profile covers 6 England and Wales registrations across 2 recorded years from 2005 to 2020. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 6 living people in the UK are called Pape. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2021 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Pape ranked #4608 for boys in England and Wales in 2020, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2005, when 3 boys were registered as Pape.
- • About 6 living people in the UK are estimated to have Pape as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4608
2020
Births in 2020
3
Latest year
Peak year
2005
3 births
Estimated living
6
2026
Meaning
What does Pape mean?
The name Pape has its origins in the Latin language and is derived from the word "papa," which means "father" or "pope." It is believed to have been used as a nickname or informal reference to religious figures, particularly those associated with the Catholic Church.
During the Middle Ages, the name Pape gained popularity across Europe, particularly in regions with strong Catholic influence. It was often used as a respectful address for clergymen or as a title for the Pope himself. Historical records from this period indicate the presence of individuals bearing the name Pape, although they were more likely to be monks or members of the clergy.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Pape can be found in the writings of the 12th-century German philosopher and theologian, Pape Honorius of Autun. He was a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of his time and authored several influential works, including the "Elucidarium" and the "Imago Mundi."
In the 14th century, the French writer and poet Pape Innocent VI (1282-1362) held the position of Pope from 1352 to 1362. His pontificate was marked by efforts to restore the papacy's authority and resolve disputes between the Church and various European monarchs.
The name Pape also found its way into the realm of literature, with the 16th-century French poet and satirist Pape Clément Marot (1496-1544) being one of the most notable figures. His works, which included translations of the Psalms and other poetic compositions, were highly influential in the development of French Renaissance literature.
In the 18th century, the Italian architect and artist Pape Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) gained widespread recognition for his etchings and engravings depicting ancient Roman architecture. His intricate and imaginative works were instrumental in shaping the neoclassical movement in the arts.
Another notable figure bearing the name Pape was the 19th-century French philosopher and theologian Pape Jacques Maritain (1882-1973). He was a prominent figure in the neo-Thomist movement and made significant contributions to Catholic thought, particularly in the areas of ethics, aesthetics, and political theory.
While these are just a few examples, the name Pape has been present throughout history, often associated with religious figures, intellectuals, and artists. Its Latin roots and connections to the Catholic Church have made it a name with a rich historical background and cultural significance.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Pape over time
The chart below shows babies named Pape registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2005 to 2020. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Pape, the clearest high point is 2005. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2020, compared with 3 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Pape by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Pape was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4608 | 3 | 1 |
| 2000s | #3849 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Pape
- Patrick 17,559
- Peter 13,150
- Paul 8,542
- Philip 4,997
- Parker 4,664
- Phoenix 3,865
- Preston 3,370
- Prince 1,782
- Patryk 1,763
- Phillip 1,697
- Percy 1,395
- Perry 1,015
FAQ
Pape: questions and answers
How popular is the name Pape in the UK right now?
In 2020, Pape was ranked #4608 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Pape most popular?
The peak year on record was 2005, with 3 babies registered as Pape in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Pape?
A French occupational surname referring to a pope-like person.
How many people are called Pape in the UK?
A total of 6 babies have been registered as Pape across the 2 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.