Capri

What does Capri mean?

Capri evokes a clear sense of place. The name comes from the island of Capri off the coast of Italy, and its original language ties the word to goats through Latin roots. As a given name it carries that island image of sun, sea and an effortless Mediterranean charm.

The tone of Capri is breezy and modern while still feeling refined. It suggests a free spirited, outdoorsy sensibility more than a formal one, and sits comfortably beside other place names or short, elegant names such as Maya or Iris.

Historical Context

The name Capri began as a place name. The island of Capri in the Bay of Naples has been known since antiquity, and the Latin root capra, meaning goat, is commonly cited in explanations of the island name. Over centuries the island became associated with Roman villas, artists and holidaymakers, so the place itself acquired a kind of cultured glamour.

As a given name Capri is a relatively recent adoption, seen mostly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents began favouring short, place inspired names. It entered English language usage directly from the Italian place name rather than through a lengthy tradition of use as a personal name. Where similar names appear, such as Caprice, they have separate histories, but all share a concise, evocative quality that helped them find favour in modern naming trends.

Popularity of Capri over time

In 2025, Capri was given to 551 girls in the US. Capri has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now an uncommon girls' name in the US.

What do parents think of Capri?