Trapper is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the occupational surname "Trapper," which was historically given to individuals who were engaged in trapping wild animals for their fur, typically in remote areas such as the wilderness or frontier regions.
The term "trapper" itself comes from the Old French word "traper," meaning "to catch or snare." This name has been popular among American families with roots in the frontier era and those who admire the spirit of exploration and independence associated with this historical occupation.
While Trapper may not be as common a given name as some others, it has been used throughout history. It gained notable recognition when American frontiersman and mountain man Joe Meek adopted the name "Trapper" for his son born in the late 19th century. This further contributed to the name's association with rugged individualism and pioneer spirit.
Today, the name Trapper is often seen as a statement of one's independent nature or appreciation for America's frontier history. It remains an uncommon but distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child. Despite its unconventional origins, Trapper has proven to be a timeless and memorable name that reflects its wearer's adventurous spirit and connection to American history.
The name Trapper has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past four decades, with some years showing a significant increase while others had fewer occurrences.
From 1975 to 1980, there was an increasing trend in the number of births named Trapper, starting from 11 in 1975 and peaking at 32 in 1980. However, this trend did not continue, as the number of births decreased to 16 in 1983.
Throughout the 1990s, the popularity of the name Trapper fluctuated, with a high of 14 births in 1996 and a low of 5 births in 1995. The trend continued into the early 2000s, with a peak of 35 births in 2007.
From 2008 onwards, the number of births named Trapper remained relatively stable, with an average of around 25 to 35 births per year. There was another peak in 2011 with 41 births, followed by a decrease to 21 births in 2010 and 2020.
Overall, since 1975 there have been a total of 958 births named Trapper in the United States. Despite some fluctuations in popularity over the years, the name has maintained a consistent presence among new parents choosing names for their children.