Prince Unisex
Origin(s)
Pronunciationprints / prɪntsLatin; English
Meaning
Latin: prince; English: royal son
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Prince originates from the Latin word "princeps," which means "first" or "chief." This term was used in ancient Rome to denote a leader or ruler, particularly in reference to the emperor. The Latin term evolved into the Old French "prince," which carried the same meaning and was adopted into Middle English as "prince" during the 12th century, following the Norman Conquest of England. The transition into English solidified the term's association with nobility and leadership, reflecting its roots in the hierarchical structures of medieval society.
Historically, the title of prince has been significant across various cultures and eras. In biblical contexts, the term is often used to refer to leaders or figures of authority, such as the "Prince of Peace" in Christian theology, referring to Jesus Christ. The name has also been borne by numerous royal figures throughout history, including various European princes who played pivotal roles in the politics of their time. The use of the name in literature and historical texts has further cemented its association with nobility and valor, contributing to its enduring presence in cultural narratives.
Culturally, the name Prince carries connotations of leadership, honor, and prestige. It has been used in various traditions and folklore to symbolize a noble character or a heroic figure. The name's resonance is enhanced by its use in literature and the arts, where characters named Prince often embody ideals of bravery and virtue. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Prinny" have emerged in informal contexts, reflecting the name's adaptability and affectionate use in familial or close-knit settings. Overall, the name Prince encapsulates a rich historical and cultural legacy that underscores its significance across different societies.
Trend Summary
The name Prince has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, often influenced by cultural icons.
Similar Names
Variants
- Prinze
International Variants
- Príncipe (Spanish)
- Princ (Slavic)
Famous people named Prince
Prince is a musician best known for Purple Rain, 1999, and When Doves Cry.
Prince Rogers Nelson is a singer-songwriter best known for his eclectic work and influence in the music industry.
Fictional characters named Prince
Prince Zuko is a fictional character from the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. He is a conflicted prince of the Fire Nation who seeks to restore his honor and ultimately becomes a key ally to the protagonists.
Prince Eric is a fictional character from the animated film The Little Mermaid. He is a human prince who falls in love with Ariel, the mermaid, and plays a crucial role in her quest to become human.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Prince was first seen in the United States in 1880. Prince has ranked as high as #537 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in New York, Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Prince has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Prince (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 94 | |
| FL | 65 | |
| NY | 56 | |
| CA | 55 | |
| NC | 42 | |
| GA | 41 | |
| IL | 33 | |
| PA | 31 | |
| OH | 26 | |
| MI | 24 | |
| MO | 21 | |
| AL | 20 | |
| SC | 20 | |
| VA | 18 | |
| IN | 18 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 16 |
| 1881 | 17 |
| 1882 | 18 |
| 1883 | 18 |
| 1884 | 17 |
| 1885 | 21 |
| 1886 | 22 |
| 1887 | 18 |
| 1888 | 19 |
| 1889 | 14 |
| 1890 | 18 |
| 1891 | 26 |
| 1892 | 19 |
| 1893 | 14 |
| 1894 | 13 |
| 1895 | 18 |
| 1896 | 26 |
| 1897 | 19 |
| 1898 | 14 |
| 1899 | 15 |
| 1900 | 22 |
| 1901 | 29 |
| 1902 | 21 |
| 1903 | 23 |
| 1904 | 29 |
| 1905 | 24 |
| 1906 | 20 |
| 1907 | 17 |
| 1908 | 25 |
| 1909 | 30 |
| 1910 | 38 |
| 1911 | 31 |
| 1912 | 49 |
| 1913 | 50 |
| 1914 | 69 |
| 1915 | 80 |
| 1916 | 85 |
| 1917 | 86 |
| 1918 | 90 |
| 1919 | 80 |
| 1920 | 80 |
| 1921 | 82 |
| 1922 | 97 |
| 1923 | 66 |
| 1924 | 96 |
| 1925 | 75 |
| 1926 | 73 |
| 1927 | 69 |
| 1928 | 70 |
| 1929 | 64 |
| 1930 | 63 |
| 1931 | 49 |
| 1932 | 63 |
| 1933 | 51 |
| 1934 | 49 |
| 1935 | 59 |
| 1936 | 55 |
| 1937 | 62 |
| 1938 | 66 |
| 1939 | 56 |
| 1940 | 60 |
| 1941 | 51 |
| 1942 | 45 |
| 1943 | 62 |
| 1944 | 54 |
| 1945 | 52 |
| 1946 | 64 |
| 1947 | 67 |
| 1948 | 58 |
| 1949 | 77 |
| 1950 | 52 |
| 1951 | 66 |
| 1952 | 58 |
| 1953 | 71 |
| 1954 | 73 |
| 1955 | 75 |
| 1956 | 74 |
| 1957 | 81 |
| 1958 | 55 |
| 1959 | 64 |
| 1960 | 61 |
| 1961 | 55 |
| 1962 | 63 |
| 1963 | 64 |
| 1964 | 70 |
| 1965 | 48 |
| 1966 | 46 |
| 1967 | 45 |
| 1968 | 55 |
| 1969 | 44 |
| 1970 | 51 |
| 1971 | 52 |
| 1972 | 49 |
| 1973 | 63 |
| 1974 | 59 |
| 1975 | 39 |
| 1976 | 65 |
| 1977 | 59 |
| 1978 | 73 |
| 1979 | 92 |
| 1980 | 131 |
| 1981 | 146 |
| 1982 | 137 |
| 1983 | 167 |
| 1984 | 206 |
| 1985 | 195 |
| 1986 | 150 |
| 1987 | 122 |
| 1988 | 138 |
| 1989 | 134 |
| 1990 | 126 |
| 1991 | 135 |
| 1992 | 129 |
| 1993 | 118 |
| 1994 | 95 |
| 1995 | 105 |
| 1996 | 96 |
| 1997 | 123 |
| 1998 | 172 |
| 1999 | 152 |
| 2000 | 176 |
| 2001 | 164 |
| 2002 | 161 |
| 2003 | 202 |
| 2004 | 228 |
| 2005 | 232 |
| 2006 | 247 |
| 2007 | 273 |
| 2008 | 302 |
| 2009 | 351 |
| 2010 | 500 |
| 2011 | 551 |
| 2012 | 594 |
| 2013 | 634 |
| 2014 | 755 |
| 2015 | 830 |
| 2016 | 1,012 |
| 2017 | 988 |
| 2018 | 1,066 |
| 2019 | 1,162 |
| 2020 | 1,051 |
| 2021 | 978 |
| 2022 | 943 |
| 2023 | 893 |
| 2024 | 797 |