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Princess

♀ Girl

Pronounced PRIN-ses /ˈprɪn.sɛs/High

Meaning: Daughter of a prince; royal; from Old French princesse (princess), from Latin princeps (first, chief, prince)High

In 30 seconds: A direct English title name meaning 'royal daughter,' from Latin princeps (first, chief). Like Duchess and Queen, it belongs to the American tradition of giving children aspirational status names.

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Origin HighEnglish, Latin, French

MeaningDaughter of a prince; royal; from Old French princesse (princess), from Latin princeps (first, chief, prince)

U.S. rank (2025)#1122 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births209 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 15,971

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

Princess comes from Old French princesse, from Latin princeps (first, chief, leader, prince). As a given name it functions as a direct aspiration/status name, popular particularly in African American and West African communities.

Princess has been used as a given name in the U.S. from the mid-20th century onward. It ranked #1145 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Latin princeps (first citizen, chief) was the official title of Roman emperors — Augustus called himself Princeps Civitatis (First Citizen) to appear modest while holding absolute power. So Princess is etymologically 'daughter of the First Citizen.'

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Princess — Latin/French etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PrincessaPrincesse

Nicknames

PrincyPriss

Famous Bearers

★Princess Nokia (1992-)
American rapper and singer
★Princess Love (1984-)
American reality television personality

If you like Princess…

Queen— a direct royal title used as a given name in the same tradition

Royalty— abstract royalty concept name in the same aspirational category

Reign— royal concept name popular in the same community

Majesty— royal concept name in the same aspirational tradition

Explore names like Princess

By themeenglish latin two-syllable royal aspirational title-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Princess mean?

Princess means 'royal daughter,' from Old French princesse and Latin princeps (first, chief).

How do you pronounce Princess?

It's said PRIN-ses — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Princess a boy or girl name?

Princess is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Princess?

Princess ranked #1145 for U.S. girls in 2024.