A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Prima since 1949
Babies named Prima per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 55 |
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 12 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Prima, meaning 'first,' is a rare Italian and Latin name that has seen revival in the United States. First recorded in U.S. data in 1949, it peaked in popularity in 1975, with no rank in recent years but a rising trajectory since 2022 from an extremely low base. The name has not been concentrated in any particular state, suggesting scattered usage. Despite its scarcity, Prima's simple, melodic sound aligns with the trend of short, vowel-ending names. Its meaning carries a sense of primacy and distinction, though it remains an uncommon choice.
Prima is the feminine form of the Latin 'primus,' meaning 'first.' It entered Italian directly from Latin, used as a given name in Italian-speaking countries, though it has also been adopted in English-speaking contexts, especially in the mid-20th century. The name saw a peak in the United States in the 1970s and has been rising again since 2022.
Sibling names for Prima
Names that share Prima's style, for a brother or sister.
