Find out how popular the first name Precious has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Precious by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Precious is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Precious being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 69 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Precious.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Precious in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Precious

The name Precious has its origins in the English language, derived from the word "precious," which means "of great value or worth." The name likely emerged during the Middle English period, around the 14th to 15th centuries.

Precious was originally used as an adjective to describe something highly prized or valuable, such as a precious gem or metal. Over time, it evolved into a given name, reflecting the sentiment of a child being considered a cherished and invaluable treasure.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Precious can be found in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Proverbs, which describes wisdom as being "more precious than rubies." This biblical association may have contributed to the name's popularity among certain religious communities.

In the 17th century, the English poet John Milton used the name Precious in his work "Paradise Lost," referring to a character as a "precious gift." This literary reference further solidified the name's association with something valuable and esteemed.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Precious. One of the earliest known bearers was Precious Bradshaw (1592-1678), an English Puritan and one of the first female writers to publish a book of poetry in English.

Another historical figure was Precious Cooker (1718-1789), an African-American slave and herbalist who gained recognition for her expertise in traditional medicine and healing practices in Virginia.

In the 19th century, Precious Bryant (1827-1891) was a renowned African-American abolitionist, educator, and writer who fought for the rights of enslaved people and advocated for equal educational opportunities.

The name Precious also gained prominence in the 20th century. Precious Ajedra (1920-2005) was a Nigerian playwright and activist who used her works to highlight the experiences of women and advocate for social change.

More recently, the name garnered attention with the release of the 2009 film "Precious," which focused on the life of a young woman named Precious Jones, portrayed by Gabourey Sidibe. The film's success further popularized the name and its association with resilience and strength.

While the name Precious has its roots in the English language, it has transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, resonating with people from diverse backgrounds who appreciate its unique meaning and symbolism.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Precious was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Precious, please contact us.

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