Declining since 1988, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Prentice since 1884
Babies named Prentice per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1939, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Prentice's real moment was 1906.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 |
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 51 |
| 1910s | 267 |
| 1920s | 387 |
| 1930s | 371 |
| 1940s | 437 |
| 1950s | 438 |
| 1960s | 420 |
| 1970s | 448 |
| 1980s | 441 |
| 1990s | 250 |
| 2000s | 179 |
| 2010s | 170 |
| 2020s | 47 |
Meaning & origin
Prentice is a rare occupational given name derived from 'apprentice,' reflecting a blue-collar heritage. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1884, with a peak in popularity in 1906, when it was used more frequently among families valuing traditional trades. Since 1988, its usage has been steadily declining, and in 2025 it ranks 10,695th, with only about 1 in every 284,679 newborns receiving the name. Its modest history and straightforward meaning make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an authentic, no-nonsense name with American roots.
Prentice is derived from the Middle English term 'prentis,' an aphetic form of 'apprentice,' which itself comes from the Old French 'aprentiz' meaning 'one who learns.' The name originated as an occupational surname for an apprentice before being adopted as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States. It reflects a modest, trade-oriented origin rather than a noble lineage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pren, Rent
Sibling names for Prentice
Names that share Prentice's style, for a brother or sister.
