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

Popularity of Price by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Price is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Price being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 42 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Price.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby girls were named Price in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Price

The given name Price is an English name derived from the Old French word "pris," meaning "prize" or "value." Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically the 12th century, when it was used as a surname for someone considered valuable or esteemed.

The name Price first emerged in England and later spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond. It is believed to have been initially used as a nickname or descriptive name for someone who was highly regarded or considered a "prize" within their community.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Price can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The book mentions individuals with surnames derived from the Old French word "pris," suggesting the name's early use in England.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Price. One of the most famous was Sir John Prise (c. 1501-1555), a Welsh Renaissance scholar and historian known for his work on the history and literature of Wales. Another notable bearer of the name was Thomas Price (1787-1848), a Welsh nonconformist minister and an influential figure in the Calvinistic Methodist Church.

In the realm of arts and literature, the name Price has been associated with individuals such as Leontyne Price (1927-2022), an American opera singer and one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century. Another prominent figure was Richard Price (1723-1791), a Welsh philosopher and political pamphleteer who was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin and a supporter of the American Revolution.

The name Price has also been carried by notable figures in the field of sports. One example is Nick Price (born 1957), a professional golfer from Zimbabwe who won multiple major championships and was ranked among the top golfers in the world during the 1990s.

While the name Price originated as a descriptive term in the Middle Ages, it has endured throughout the centuries and continues to be used as a given name in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.

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 Price was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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