IPA Pronunciation

ˈdʌpi

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Syllables

Duppy is a term from Caribbean folklore, primarily Jamaican, meaning a spirit or ghost. It originates from African languages brought by enslaved people and evolved in the Caribbean, symbolizing supernatural beings believed to inhabit the natural world and influence the living. It embodies both fear and respect.

Cultural Significance of Duppy

In Caribbean culture, especially Jamaican, the duppy is a ghost or spirit representing ancestors or supernatural forces. It plays a significant role in folklore, storytelling, and spiritual practices, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead. The duppy can be benevolent or malevolent, reflecting the dual nature of spirits in Caribbean belief systems and influencing local customs and music.

Duppy Name Popularity in 2025

Today, 'Duppy' is embraced in Caribbean music, literature, and pop culture, often symbolizing mystery and ancestral heritage. Though uncommon as a given name, it is gaining recognition as a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with cultural depth and spiritual significance, especially in the Caribbean diaspora.

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Popular Nicknames10

DupDuppDuppy-DooDuppsDuppsterDuppoDuppy-BooDuppy-BugDuppy-PieDuppito
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International Variations10

DuppieDupieDuppyéDuppyieDuppiDuppyahDuppiyDuppyeDuppy-AnnDuppy-Lee

Similar Names You Might Love8

Name Energy & Essence

The name Duppy carries the essence of “Spirit or ghost in Caribbean folklore” from Caribbean (Jamaican Patois, African roots) tradition. Names beginning with "D" often embody qualities of determination, discipline, and practicality.

Symbolism

Cultural Significance

In Caribbean culture, especially Jamaican, the duppy is a ghost or spirit representing ancestors or supernatural forces. It plays a significant role in folklore, storytelling, and spiritual practices, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead. The duppy can be benevolent or malevolent, reflecting the dual nature of spirits in Caribbean belief systems and influencing local customs and music.

Duppy Conqueror

A symbolic figure in Jamaican folklore representing the spirit that cannot be defeated.

Samuel Sharpe

Though not named Duppy, he was a Jamaican National Hero whose uprising is often mythologized with spiritual duppy symbolism.

Anansi the Spider

A legendary figure from African and Caribbean folklore often associated with trickery and spirits akin to duppies.

Queen Nanny

Leader of the Maroons whose legacy includes spiritual resistance, often linked to duppy mythology in Jamaican culture.

Marcus Garvey

Though not directly connected to duppies, his cultural impact revived African-Caribbean identity, including folklore appreciation.

Baba Yaga

A Slavic folklore figure similar in mystical role to duppy spirits, highlighting global parallels.

Papa Bois

Caribbean folklore figure, sometimes considered a forest spirit similar in cultural role to duppies.

Oba

Yoruba spiritual figure; African origins of duppy concept relate to such ancestral spirits.

duende

🌐Spanish

fantôme

🌐French

Geist

🌐German

fantasma

🌐Italian

妖精 (yōsei)

🌐Japanese

幽灵 (yōulíng)

🌐Chinese

شبح (shabah)

🌐Arabic

Fun Fact About Duppy

The word 'duppy' is so embedded in Jamaican culture that it appears in reggae and dancehall songs, often symbolizing ghosts or spirits causing mischief.

Personality Traits for Duppy

Those named Duppy may be seen as mysterious, intuitive, and connected to their roots. They often embody creativity, spiritual awareness, and resilience. The name suggests a person who values tradition yet embraces the unknown, with a playful but profound nature, often drawing people in with their enigmatic charm.

What does the name Duppy mean?

Duppy is a Caribbean (Jamaican Patois, African roots) name meaning “Spirit or ghost in Caribbean folklore”. Duppy is a term from Caribbean folklore, primarily Jamaican, meaning a spirit or ghost. It originates from African languages brought by enslaved people and evolved in the Caribbean, symbolizing supernatural beings believed to inhabit the natural world and influence the living. It embodies both fear and respect.

How do you pronounce Duppy?

Duppy is pronounced (IPA: ˈdʌpi). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.

What are nicknames for Duppy?

Popular nicknames for Duppy include: Dup, Dupp, Duppy-Doo, Dupps, Duppster, Duppo, Duppy-Boo, Duppy-Bug, Duppy-Pie, Duppito.

Who are famous people named Duppy?

Famous people named Duppy include: , , , , .

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Duppy is a beautiful Caribbean (Jamaican Patois, African roots) name meaning “Spirit or ghost in Caribbean folklore”. Duppy is a term from Caribbean folklore, primarily Jamaican, meaning a spirit or ghost. It originates from African languages brought by enslaved people and evolved in the Caribbean, symbolizing supern...

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