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Promise

♂ Boy

Pronounced PROM-iss /ˈprɑm.ɪs/High

Meaning: From the word promise — Latin promissum, 'a solemn pledge, a vow; the assurance of something to come'; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: A solemn pledge: Promise is the virtue word-name for a vow and hope of good things to come. Aspirational, warm, and devout (popular in Nigerian families).

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Origin MediumLatin, English

MeaningFrom the word promise — Latin promissum, 'a solemn pledge, a vow; the assurance of something to come'; here for boys

U.S. rank (2025)#5343 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 412

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

Promise comes from the word promise — Latin promissum, 'a solemn pledge, a vow; the assurance of good things to come'. A devout, aspirational virtue word-name, especially popular in Nigerian families, used for both sexes, here for boys.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, a-solemn-pledge at the root, and aspirational.

Did you know? Promise, from Latin promissum ('a solemn pledge'), names a vow and the bright hope of what's to come — a devout, aspirational virtue word-name, especially beloved in Nigerian families; used for both sexes.

Overall data confidence 58%

Oxford English Dictionary — promise — word origin

Variations

Promiss

Nicknames

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If you like Promise…

Blessing— a fellow Nigerian virtue-name

Praise— a fellow devout word-name

Tyrese— shares Promise's English roots

Ambrose— echoes that soft -se sound

Blaise— echoes that soft -se sound

Explore names like Promise

By themeenglish latin word-name virtue

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Promise mean?

Promise is the word for 'a solemn pledge, a vow; hope of what's to come' (Latin promissum).

How do you pronounce Promise?

It's said PROM-iss /ˈprɑm.ɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Promise a boy or girl name?

Promise is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Promise?

Promise is a rare name in the U.S.