Prentiss Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Prentiss originates from the Latin word 'princeps', meaning 'principal' or 'leader'. It evolved through various forms from Latin to Old French, Middle English, and finally to Modern English. The name conveys traits of leadership and importance. There is no biblical relevance associated with it. Prentiss became popular in the 19th century in the United States and is currently perceived as a unique and traditional name.
The name Prentiss is most popular in Mississippi, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Prentiss has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Prentiss' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1410th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1316th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1345th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1568th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2638th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6054th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9051st out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 9243rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 14973rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 22630th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 30690th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 26286th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Prentiss' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Prentiss"
Pronunciation
/ˈprɛntɪs/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Prentiss is derived from the Latin word 'princeps', meaning 'principal' or 'leader'. It has been used as a surname and given name, often associated with the idea of being a chief or a person of importance.
Meaning
principal, leader
Language Evolution
Latin: princeps, Old French: Prentis, Middle English: Prentys, Modern English: Prentiss
Historical Usage
Prentiss gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, often as a surname that transitioned into a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Prentice, Prentis
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Prentiss is seen as a unique and somewhat traditional name, often associated with heritage and strength.
Famous People
Prentiss Ingraham - an American author known for his dime novels., Prentiss Mellen - a notable American lawyer and politician.
Explore More Prentiss Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Prentiss"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Prentiss"
"Prentiss" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1410th of 7545 | 425 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1316th of 6773 | 492 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1345th of 7552 | 632 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1568th of 10718 | 495 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2638th of 16616 | 373 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6054th of 24088 | 196 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9051st of 23106 | 90 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 9243rd of 12526 | 20 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14973rd of 19264 | 14 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 22630th of 27321 | 11 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 30690th of 35406 | 10 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 26286th of 30306 | 10 |
Regional Popularity of "Prentiss" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
40.15% 950th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
40.33% 949th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
32.77% 935th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
51.82% 1522nd/2937 |
- |
33.77% 1188th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
55.28% 2037th/3685 |
- |
39.64% 2059th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Prentiss" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Prentiss"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Prentiss" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.