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Prentis
How to Pronounce Prentis
Pronounced PREN-tiss /ˈprɛntɪs/High
Meaning: Prentis is a spelling of Prentice, an occupational surname from the Middle English prentis, itself a clipped form of 'apprentice', naming a young craftsman in training. Like many trade surnames it passed into use as a first name, especially in the American South, keeping the plain sense of 'the apprentice'.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Prentis comes straight from Prentice, the surname of a family whose ancestor was an apprentice, from Middle English prentis. Trimmed of its opening syllable centuries ago, the word became first a byname, then a surname, then, in American hands, a given name handed down through families.
It was never a common first name, reaching only a couple dozen boys a year around its high in the early nineteen-forties before receding. It carries a plain, hard-working Southern surname-name feel.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Prentis mean?
It's a form of Prentice, from the Middle English word for 'apprentice' or 'learner'.
How do you pronounce Prentis?
It's said PREN-tiss /ˈprɛntɪs/, two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Prentis a boy or girl name?
Prentis is used as a boy's name.
Is Prentis a popular name?
No, it has always been rare as a first name, an occupational surname used lightly for boys in the mid twentieth century.