Pryor

“former”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 93% boys♀ 7% girls

#5607US 2023

17Births / yr

↓Falling

419All-time births

📅 Since 201600

How to pronounce Pryor

PREYE·er

/ˈpraɪ.ɝ/ · stress on PREYE · 2 syllables

“former”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Pryor mean and where does it come from?

Pryor is a surname that has occasionally been used as a first name. With origins in Old French, it conveys meanings related to precedence and status. It has been popularized in contemporary naming conventions in the United States. Notable figures include Richard Pryor, a famous comedian and actor, w

Cultural significance

Pryor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of former.

Peak popularity

Reached #11006 in 2020 — currently #5607 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Pryor?

Pryor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Pryor Grace

How popular is Pryor right now?

Falling — down 795 spots — currently #5607 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2020–2023#5607 · Top 4.1%

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5607	17	▼ down 795 · -19% births
2022	#4812	21	▼ down 477 · -12% births
2021	#4335	24	▲ up 6671 · +200% births
2020	#11006	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Pryor

Best Year2021Rank #4335

Peak Count24

Average Rank#6440

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2020 - 20234 years

The story of Pryor

Pryor is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2016. With 419 total births recorded, Pryor remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11006 in 2020 to #5607 in 2023. Pryor is used for both genders: 7% female and 93% male.

Names that peaked alongside Pryor in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Pryor by decade

Pryor peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1900s	5
1910s	40
1920s	60
1940s	20
1950s	11
1970s	6
2000s	50
2010s ★	191
2020s	31

💎Pryor has only 419 total recorded births since 2016 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Pryor?

Common

PryPryoriePryory

What names sound and feel like Pryor?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pryor also consider these

Bryor

American · A variation of

Lyor

English · A meaningful name

Dyor

English · A beloved name

Brylor

American · brave and strong

Treyor

American · English

Pryson

Welsh · prisoner, one who

Prynn

Welsh · A variation of

Bryon

American · From the land

Common questions about the name Pryor

What does the name Pryor mean?

Pryor means "former" — a name rooted in American 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 Pryor?

Pryor is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Pryor?

Pryor originates from American tradition. American 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 Pryor?

Pryor is a two-syllable name pronounced P R AY1 ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Pryor a common or rare name?

Pryor is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.