Holding steady.
Popularity of Pretty since 1982
Babies named Pretty per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Pretty is a rare and modern given name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1982, though it has never cracked the top 1000. Its peak year came in 2023, likely reflecting a broader trend toward word names and unconventional choices. The name has remained stable in usage over the decades, with no sign of a sudden surge. Its meaning, rooted in the Old English word for 'crafty,' has long since softened to denote beauty or charm. Despite its descriptive nature, Pretty is almost exclusively used for girls, and its relative obscurity makes it a distinctive pick for parents seeking something outside the mainstream.
Pretty derives from Middle English 'pretti,' meaning 'cunning' or 'clever,' evolving through Old English 'preattig' (tricky). By the 16th century, it had shifted to mean 'attractive' or 'fine.' As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, likely as a word name rather than a diminutive, though it has occasionally been used as a nickname for Patricia or Margaret. Its rarity as a first name makes it a modern and unconventional choice.
Sibling names for Pretty
Names that share Pretty's style, for a brother or sister.
