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 #401 in 2024 — currently #447 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Prince?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Prince John
One syllable · timeless choice
Prince Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Prince Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Prince Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Prince Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Prince right now?
Declining — down 46 spots — currently #447 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #447 | 703 | ▼ down 46 · -13% births |
| 2024 | #401 | 806 | ▼ down 37 · -10% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2024:
Prince by decade
Prince peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s 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 | 2,529 | |
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
What are the girl versions 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 PRINS. 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.