The namePrudence
Prudence is a Puritan virtue name with a gentle, old fashioned charm.
- Girl's name
- English
Meaning
Prudence comes from the Latin prudentia, "foresight, good judgement".
Origin
English, from Latin.
History
English Puritans gave virtue names like Prudence, Patience and Mercy from the 16th century. In the United States Prudence reached 415th place in 1880. The Beatles song Dear Prudence was written for Prudence Farrow.
Famous people named Prudence
- Prudence Farrow, inspiration for Dear Prudence
Popularity of the name Prudence
Prudence in the United States
Prudence was most popular in the United States in the 1940s, with 952 births over the decade, 15% of all recorded babies named Prudence. Half of all babies named Prudence in the United States were born before 1949, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 80 births a year.
Prudence in France
Prudence was most popular in France in the 2000s, with 295 births over the decade, 19% of all recorded babies named Prudence. Half of all babies named Prudence in France were born before 1992.
Sibling names for Prudence
Names from the same generation as Prudence, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Prudence? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Prudence with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Prudence side by side with the name of your choice.
Prudence in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Prudence mean?
Prudence comes from the Latin prudentia, "foresight, good judgement".
What is the origin of the name Prudence?
English, from Latin.
Is Prudence a girl's or a boy's name?
Prudence is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Prudence?
In 2024, Prudence was the 2578th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 68 births.
What are good sibling names for Prudence?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Lulu, Imogen, Reva and Laya for a sister, Eliott, Jenson, Leopold and Artem for a brother.
Who are famous people named Prudence?
Prudence Farrow, inspiration for Dear Prudence.