Prudence is a unique and elegant given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the word "prudens," which means "discreet" or "careful." The name Prudence has been used throughout history, with notable figures such as Prudence Griswold (1864-1953), an American painter and suffragist, bearing this distinctive moniker.
In the Middle Ages, Prudence was one of the four cardinal virtues along with Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude. These virtues were personified as females in medieval art, making Prudence a well-known figure during that time. The name gained further popularity in the 17th century when it became fashionable among the English nobility.
Prudence has also been used in literature, most famously as one of the three Graces (along with Patience and Chastity) in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost." This usage contributed to the name's association with wisdom, discretion, and good judgment throughout history.
Today, Prudence remains a relatively uncommon given name but has experienced a slight resurgence in popularity since the late 20th century. It continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its rich historical significance, elegant sound, and positive connotations of wisdom and careful consideration. Despite its Latin origins, Prudence can be found among various cultures and nationalities, testament to its timeless appeal as a strong yet graceful name for girls.
The name Prudence has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century and a half, with fluctuations in its popularity over time.
Between 1880 and 1945, there were periods where Prudence was quite popular. For instance, in 1925, there were 84 births with this name, which is the highest number during this period. However, by the mid-20th century, its popularity began to decline significantly.
From 1950 onwards, the number of babies named Prudence dropped below 64 each year until it reached a low point of only 7 births in 1984. This trend continued into the late 20th century, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1980 to 2000.
However, since 2000, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Prudence. While it still doesn't reach the heights of its early 20th-century popularity, it has seen consistent growth over the past two decades. In 2019 and 2020 alone, there were 83 and 71 births respectively for girls named Prudence.
Overall, since 1880 until 2022, a total of 6097 babies have been born in the United States with the name Prudence. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a unique and timeless name choice for parents in the U.S.