Prime

♂ Boy

Pronounced PRYME /ˈpraɪm/High

Meaning: The English word prime, from Latin primus, 'first.' It carries the senses 'first in rank; of the best quality; at one's peak.' A modern one-beat word-name.Medium

In 30 seconds: One sharp beat: Prime means 'first; best; at one's peak' (said 'PRYME').

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Origin MediumEnglish, Latin

MeaningThe English word prime, from Latin primus, 'first.' It carries the senses 'first in rank; of the best quality; at one's peak.' A modern one-beat word-name.

U.S. rank (2024)#13701 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 35

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

Prime is an English word-name from Latin primus, 'first' — the same root behind primary, premier and prince. English uses it for rank, for quality and for the peak of life. As a given name it is recent, confident and unmistakably modern (said 'PRYME').

In the U.S. it is very rare for boys. Rare, bold, and sharp.

Did you know? Prime runs straight back to Latin primus, 'first' — the root of primary, premier and prince. As a name it is a clean statement of excellence (said 'PRYME').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Prime — English word-name; Latin primus 'first'

Variations

PrymePrimo

Nicknames

Pri

Famous Bearers

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If you like Prime…

Prince— a like title word-name from the same root

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Maverick— a like confident choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Prime mean?

Prime is the English word for 'first; best; at one's peak,' from Latin primus, 'first.'

How do you pronounce Prime?

It's said PRYME /ˈpraɪm/ — one syllable, just like the word.

Is Prime a boy or girl name?

Prime is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Prime?

Prime is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.