What does Prince mean and where does it come from?
While traditionally a male name, Prince has been adopted in some cases as a female name, reflecting modern naming trends that challenge conventional gender classifications. The term 'prince' originates from the Latin 'princeps', meaning 'first' or 'leader'. This usage has gained traction in various
Cultural significance
Prince has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of royalty.
Peak popularity
Reached #1414 in 1907 — currently #364 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Prince?
Prince works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Prince Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Prince Rose
Floral · soft ending
Prince Mae
Sweet · timeless
Prince Claire
French influence · crisp
Prince Jane
Literary · strong
Prince Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Prince right now?
Declining — down 17 spots — currently #364 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #364 | 893 | ▼ down 17 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #347 | 943 | ▼ down 14 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #333 | 978 | ▲ up 3877 · +9680% births |
| 1960 | #4210 | 10 | ▼ down 124 · +11% births |
| 1955 | #4086 | 9 | ▲ up 1242 · +80% births |
| 1950 | #5328 | 5 | ▼ down 1631 · -29% births |
| 1945 | #3697 | 7 | ▼ down 163 |
| 1940 | #3534 | 7 | ▼ down 357 · -12% births |
| 1935 | #3177 | 8 | ▲ up 193 |
| 1930 | #3370 | 8 | ▼ down 229 · -20% births |
| 1925 | #3141 | 10 | ▼ down 224 · -9% births |
| 1920 | #2917 | 11 | ▲ up 229 · +38% births |
| 1915 | #3146 | 8 | ▼ down 1345 |
| 1910 | #1801 | 8 | ▼ down 73 · +33% births |
| 1905 | #1728 | 6 | — |
The story of Prince
Prince entered American naming records in 1903 and has been in use for over 121 years. A total of 19,748 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1728 in 1905 to #364 in 2023. Prince is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Prince in 1907:
Prince by decade
Prince peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 180 | |
| 1890s | 182 | |
| 1900s | 260 | |
| 1910s | 744 | |
| 1920s | 882 | |
| 1930s | 670 | |
| 1940s | 679 | |
| 1950s | 765 | |
| 1960s | 583 | |
| 1970s | 607 | |
| 1980s | 1,536 | |
| 1990s | 1,256 | |
| 2000s | 2,335 | |
| 2010s ★ | 8,049 | |
| 2020s | 1,020 | |
What are good nicknames for Prince?
What names sound and feel like Prince?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Prince also consider these
Gender variants of Prince
Common questions about the name Prince
What does the name Prince mean?
Prince means "Royalty" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Prince?
Prince is currently ranked #364 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Prince?
Prince originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Prince?
Prince is a one-syllable name pronounced P R IH1 N S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Prince sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Prince flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Prince ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.