Rising since 1996, #4,857 for boys today.
Popularity of Prophet since 1918
Babies named Prophet per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 92 |
| 2010s | 99 |
| 2020s | 123 |
Meaning & origin
Prophet is a rare but increasingly chosen name, reflecting a modern trend of virtue and spiritual word names. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1918, but remained virtually unused for most of the 20th century. Its popularity began rising in 1996, and it peaked in 2019. In 2025, it ranked 4857, with approximately 1 in 85,404 newborn boys receiving the name. The name carries strong religious connotations, likely appealing to families seeking a name with deep spiritual meaning. While not associated with any specific state or region, its trajectory suggests growing acceptance as a distinctive choice.
The name Prophet derives directly from the English word 'prophet,' which comes from the Old French 'prophete' and Latin 'propheta,' ultimately from Greek 'prophetes' meaning 'spokesman' or 'interpreter of divine will.' As a given name, it emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially used almost exclusively for boys. It was first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1918, and its use remained extremely rare for decades, but it has seen a notable increase in the 21st century.
Sibling names for Prophet
Names that share Prophet's style, for a brother or sister.
