An uncommon Latin pick — distinctive and rare.
A surname transferred from the nickname, originating as a male or female nickname.
Precious is a girl's and boy's baby name of Latin origin, from the Latin pretiosus meaning 'of great worth,' 'valuable,' or 'treasured.' As a word name, Precious makes a profound declaration of love — this child is beyond price, infinitely valued. The 2009 film Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) brought this name international attention.
Precious was #559 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2570, but its charm endures.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 368 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 1,456 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 5,454 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 6,305 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 3,555 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 1,020 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 326 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 165 | — |
| 1940s | 168 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 138 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 208 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 113 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 55 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 11 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 69 | #2570 |
| 2023 | 70 | #2546 |
| 2022 | 87 | #2185 |
| 2021 | 84 | #2226 |
| 2020 | 58 | #2845 |
| 2019 | 90 | #2101 |
| 2018 | 113 | #1810 |
| 2017 | 111 | #1850 |
| 2016 | 109 | #1881 |
| 2015 | 131 | #1640 |
| 2014 | 133 | #1620 |
| 2013 | 145 | #1522 |
| 2012 | 157 | #1455 |
| 2011 | 199 | #1208 |
| 2010 | 268 | #957 |
| 2009 | 367 | #774 |
| 2008 | 375 | #784 |
| 2007 | 501 | #601 |
| 2006 | 534 | #551 |
| 2005 | 529 | #543 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Precious has also been given to 147 boys in the U.S. since 1916.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1897–2024) · Methodology