Rising since 1990, #823 for girls today.
Popularity of Promise since 1975
Babies named Promise per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 49 | 0 |
| 1980s | 143 | 0 |
| 1990s | 372 | 15 |
| 2000s | 1,296 | 94 |
| 2010s | 2,430 | 156 |
| 2020s | 2,136 | 147 |
Meaning & origin
Promise entered the U.S. baby name landscape in 1975 as a rare vocabulary name. For decades it languished at the fringes, but since 1990 it has been on a clear upward trajectory. Its peak year came just recently, in 2023, when it ranked 823rd nationally, with roughly 1 in 4,871 baby girls being named Promise. The name has found particular favor in the South, with top states including Mississippi, South Carolina, and Arkansas. Promise fits the modern pattern of abstract noun names, which appeal to parents seeking a name that expresses intention and optimism. While it remains less common than more established virtue names like Grace or Faith, its steady rise suggests it is gaining acceptance as a standalone choice.
Promise is an English vocabulary name adopted as a given name, deriving from the Latin 'promittere' (to send forth, promise). It began being used as a first name in the United States in the mid-1970s, reflecting a broader trend of virtue names such as Faith, Grace, and Hope, though it remains less common than those. Its usage has risen steadily since the 1990s, particularly in southern states.
Where Promise is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pro, Missy
Sibling names for Promise
Names that share Promise's style, for a brother or sister.
