Prudence Girl

Popularity: #882 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationPROO-dens / /ˈpruː.dəns/

Latin; English

Meaning

Latin: 'caution, discretion'; English: 'good judgment'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Prudence has its roots in the Latin word 'prudentia', which means wisdom or foresight. It was used in medieval times and became popular in English-speaking countries during the Puritan era. Prudence is also one of the cardinal virtues in Christian theology, representing the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. The name has been borne by various saints and is often associated with moral integrity.

Trend Summary

The name Prudence has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the early 20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Prudy
  • Prue

International Variants

  • Prudence (French)
  • Prudencia (Spanish)
  • Prudência (Portuguese)

Famous people named Prudence

Prudence Wright Holmes was an American actress known for her work in theater and film.

Prudence Farrow is an American actress and author, recognized for her role in the film 'Rosemary's Baby'.

Prudence Leith is a South African restaurateur and television presenter, famous for her role on 'The Great British Bake Off'.

Prudence Hyman is a notable British artist known for her contemporary paintings.

Fictional characters named Prudence

Prudence is a character in the novel 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett, known for her strong moral compass.

Prudence is a character in the animated series 'The Amazing World of Gumball', often portrayed as a sensible and responsible figure.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Prudence was first seen in the United States in 1880. Prudence has ranked as high as #799 nationally, which occurred in 1943, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Prudence has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Prudence (2024)

StateBirthsShare
IN 7
58%
OH 5
42%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188017
18819
18827
188311
18848
188514
188619
188710
188820
188917
189019
189115
189216
189322
189421
189514
189617
189712
189827
189916
190028
190118
190222
190319
190419
190517
190622
190725
190817
190930
191018
191122
191239
191340
191429
191542
191658
191774
191867
191955
192074
192155
192258
192357
192463
192584
192666
192775
192851
192951
193058
193146
193249
193349
193446
193556
193651
193757
193866
193969
194065
194168
1942106
1943140
1944110
194596
1946102
1947103
194886
194976
195064
195165
195264
195366
195455
195548
195659
195754
195833
195943
196038
196136
196244
196342
196436
196536
196635
196732
196825
196926
197064
1971104
197277
197371
197447
197548
197647
197725
197822
197932
198014
198119
198217
198313
19847
198512
198614
19878
19886
19898
19908
199110
19927
19935
19948
199512
19966
19977
19987
200010
200110
200215
200317
200422
200524
200631
200730
200836
200955
201060
201182
201253
201377
201461
201569
201681
201796
201896
2019109
202083
202171
202299
202379
202468