Pryor Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Pryor has its origins in Old French, meaning 'leader' or 'authority figure'. It evolved from the Old French 'prior' through Middle English 'priour' to its current form. The name is historically linked to positions of religious authority and gained popularity in medieval England. It is not associated with any biblical relevance. Modern perceptions regard it as a unique surname, often tied to notable figures like Richard Pryor.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Pryor"
Pronunciation
/ˈpraɪər/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name 'Pryor' is derived from the Old French word 'prior', which refers to someone who holds a position of authority, specifically a leader in a monastery.
Meaning
leader, authority figure
Language Evolution
Old French: prior, Middle English: priour, Modern English: Pryor
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in England during the medieval period, particularly among those in religious orders or as a surname for families associated with monastic leadership.
Variants & Derivatives
Prior, Pryer
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Pryor is perceived as a unique surname with historical significance, often associated with tradition and leadership.
Famous People
Richard Pryor, Pryor Cashman (law firm)
📊 Pryor Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Pryor Name Visualizations
✨ Pryor Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 51 peak births in 2019
Geographic Spread
Popular across 4 US states, with strongest presence in Tennessee
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Pryor"
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 "Pryor"
"Pryor" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3419th of 7545 | 93 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4956th of 6773 | 25 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5842nd of 7552 | 18 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10102nd of 10718 | 6 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10637th of 24088 | 75 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4766th of 23106 | 245 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 14808th of 30306 | 56 |
Regional Popularity of "Pryor" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
91.55% 2166th/2366 |
- |
| 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) |
76.51% 3048th/3984 |
- |
63.97% 4364th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Pryor" 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 "Pryor"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Pryor" 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Pryor" in the United States
The name Pryor is most popular in Tennessee, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest 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, Pryor 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, 'Pryor' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3419th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4956th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5842nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10102nd out of 10718 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10637th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4766th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 14808th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Pryor' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.