Prue

♀ Girl

Pronounced PROO /ˈpru/High

Meaning: A short form of Prudence — from the Latin prudentia, 'prudence; good judgment; foresight; caution' (a virtue-name)Low

In 30 seconds: Prudence; good judgment: Prue forms Prudence. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'PROO').

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Origin LowLatin, English

MeaningA short form of Prudence — from the Latin prudentia, 'prudence; good judgment; foresight; caution' (a virtue-name)

U.S. rank (2024)#10059 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 78

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

Prue is a short form of Prudence — from the Latin prudentia, 'prudence; good judgment; foresight; caution' (a virtue-name). A crisp, classic name (said 'PROO').

In the U.S. and U.K. it appears as a vintage short form. Rare on its own, good-judgment at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Prudence means 'good judgment; foresight; caution' (from the Latin prudentia) — Prue is a short form, crisp and vintage (said 'PROO').

Overall data confidence 38%

References — Prudence — Latin etymology

Variations

PruPrudencePrudie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Prue…

Prudence— the source name

Bea— a companion short vintage girls' name

True— another English name

Jrue— a fellow English choice

Drue— another English name

Explore names like Prue

By themeenglish latin virtue-name

By meaningWisdom

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Prue mean?

Prue is a short form of Prudence — Latin 'prudence; good judgment; foresight; caution' (a virtue-name).

How do you pronounce Prue?

It's said PROO /ˈpru/ — one syllable.

Is Prue a boy or girl name?

Prue is a girl's name.

How popular is Prue?

Prue is a very rare name in the U.S.