Rising since 2017, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Prue since 1925
Babies named Prue per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 | 6 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 13 | 0 |
| 2020s | 77 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Prue is a diminutive of the Puritan virtue name Prudence, which has seen a modest revival in recent years. First recorded in the U.S. in 1927, Prue has steadily climbed in popularity since 2017, reaching its peak rank so far in 2022 (its peak year to date). With a current rareness of about 1 in 94,545 births, it remains an uncommon choice. The name has never been among the top 1,000, but it appeals to parents seeking a short, vintage-sounding name with a virtuous meaning. Prue's trajectory shows a rising trend, reflecting a broader interest in traditional names with literary and historical roots.
Prue originated as a diminutive of Prudence, which comes from the Latin word 'prudentia' meaning 'foresight' or 'good judgment'. The name Prudence was popular among Puritans in the 17th century, and its nickname Prue has been used as an independent given name since the 18th century. In modern times, Prue gained some recognition through fictional characters and as a short form of longer names.
Sibling names for Prue
Names that share Prue's style, for a brother or sister.
