Is Prentiss a boy's or girl's name?

Prentiss is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 65 recorded births.

When was Prentiss most popular?

Prentiss reached its peak popularity in 1943 with 47 births that year. It is currently ranked #10620 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Prentiss?

Prentiss is currently ranked #10620 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 2,724 babies since 1887.

Prentiss

An uncommon Old French pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld FrenchDeclining

#10620▲ 1283in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname.

Prentiss is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old French origin, from the medieval English word prentis (derived from Old French aprentis) meaning 'apprentice' or 'learner.' As a surname used as a given name, it carries the industrious spirit of someone dedicated to mastering a craft.

With over 2,700 recorded births, Prentiss has a long American history — primarily used in the South, where it carries the distinguished dignity of old plantation-era surnames repurposed as given names.

Compare Prentiss with another name

Popularity Over Time

Prentiss was #6058 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #10620, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Prentiss
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	22	#10396	▼
2010s	97	#8516	▼
2000s	116	#6910	▼
1990s	179	#3932	▼
1980s	284	#2136	—
1970s	304	#1739	▲
1960s	299	#1471	▼
1950s	343	#1338	▲
1940s	328	#1242	▲
1930s	255	#1413	▲
1920s	254	#1537	▲
1910s	180	#1497	▲
1900s	47	#1262	▲
1890s	11	#1113	▲
1880s	5	#1035	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(124 years, 1887–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Prentiss
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	7	#10620	+1 (16.7%)
2023	6	#11903	-3 (-33.3%)
2021	9	#8665	+1 (12.5%)
2019	8	#9527	-1 (-11.1%)
2018	9	#8658	+1 (12.5%)
2017	8	#9475	-1 (-11.1%)
2016	9	#8647	-1 (-10.0%)
2015	10	#7901	-7 (-41.2%)
2014	17	#5424	+10 (142.9%)
2013	7	#10450	-2 (-22.2%)
2012	9	#8696	+1 (12.5%)
2011	8	#9392	-4 (-33.3%)
2010	12	#6992	-4 (-25.0%)
2009	16	#5743	+6 (60.0%)
2008	10	#8144	-3 (-23.1%)
2007	13	#6519	+3 (30.0%)
2006	10	#7863	-3 (-23.1%)
2005	13	#6129	0
2004	13	#6058	+1 (8.3%)
2003	12	#6160	+4 (50.0%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Prentiss as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Prentiss has also been given to 65 girls in the U.S. since 1951.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2012

Peak year

Compare Prentiss as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Prentiss be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Prentiss is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #10620. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1887–2024) · Methodology