Prudence

Meaning: Prudence, good judgment
Origin: English — From the word prudence, used as a virtue name by Puritans

Nicknames: Prudy, Prue

Girl's name · #2113 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Prudence belongs to an older America first — it reached #415 back in 1880 — yet it still appears in today's records at #2113. About 6,300 girls have carried it since 1880.

Across the states

See where Prudence is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 7 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Prudence ranks in other countries and regions.

#3,333 in England & Wales (2025) · #3,478 in Canada (2025) · #6,518 in France (2025) · #19,741 in Italy (2024) · #1,744 in Austria (2024) · #356 in New Zealand (1977).

Famous Prudences

Prudence Sekgodiso — South African middle-distance runner (born 2002)
Prudence Farrow — American meditation instructor, film producer, and writer (born 1948)
Prudence Crandall — American civil rights pioneer (1803–1890)
Prudence Fowler — New Zealand track cyclist (born 2003)
Prudence Fenton — American media producer

In stories & tradition

Prudence (Prue Halliwell) — Charmed character
Prudence Leighton — Marvel Comics
Prudence Prufrock — Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (TV series)

What Prudences become

Among 65 notable people named Prudence:

Entertainers appear 1.79× more often than among typical names — e.g. Prudence Liew, Hong Kong singer and actress (born 1964).

Similar names: Lavinia · Primrose · Kadence · Zola · Emeline · Seraphine

Browse more girl names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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