Prince is a name of African origin, derived from the Latin word "princeps," which means "first" or "principal." It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages and was traditionally given to the eldest son of monarchs.
In many cultures, including those in Africa, Europe, and Asia, the name Prince is associated with royalty and nobility. In some African languages, such as Swahili and Yoruba, the word for prince translates directly to "Prince."
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Prince. One of the most famous was Prince Rupert of the Rhine (1619-1682), a German nobleman who played a significant role in the English Civil War. Another well-known Prince is Prince Charles (born 1948), the current heir apparent to the British throne.
Today, Prince continues to be a popular name for boys around the world. It has been used by celebrities such as American singer-songwriter Prince Rogers Nelson (often simply known as "Prince") and Jamaican musician Prince Buster. Despite its regal origins, the name Prince is suitable for any boy whose parents wish to give him a strong and distinctive name with a rich history behind it.
The name Prince has been given to babies born in the United States over the past century and a half, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1880 and 1934, there were fewer than 70 births each year on average, with some years having as few as 13 or 14 births.
However, starting in the late 1930s, the number of babies named Prince began to increase steadily. Between 1935 and 1965, there were around 50 to 80 births each year, with peaks reaching over 100 births in some years.
Since the mid-1970s, the name Prince has become increasingly popular. In 1979, there were 92 births, and by 2016, that number had increased to 1010 births. The peak popularity of the name Prince occurred in recent years, with over 1100 births recorded in both 2018 and 2019.
Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 22,061 babies named Prince born in the United States. This data demonstrates the evolving popularity of the name Prince over time, with fluctuations influenced by various cultural factors such as music trends, royal events, and personal preferences.