Find out how popular the first name Prima has been for the last 43 years (from 1974 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Prima by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Prima is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Prima.

The history of the first name Prima

Prima is a female given name with Latin origins, dating back to ancient Roman times. The name derives from the Latin word "primus," meaning "first" or "chief." It was often used to denote the firstborn daughter in a family or to highlight a sense of prominence or distinction.

During the Roman era, Prima was a common name among the upper classes, reflecting the prestige associated with being the firstborn child. It was also used as a cognomen (a third or additional name) to indicate the order of birth among siblings with the same praenomen (first name) and nomen (family name).

In early Christian history, Prima was the name of several notable figures. One of the earliest recorded instances is Saint Prima, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. She was executed for her Christian faith during the persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Another significant bearer of the name was Prima Justina, a Roman empress who lived in the 4th century AD. She was the wife of the Roman Emperor Valentinian I and played a prominent role in the political and religious affairs of the time.

During the Middle Ages, the name Prima remained in use, particularly in Italy and other regions influenced by Latin culture. One notable bearer was Prima Porzia, an Italian noblewoman and poet who lived in the 15th century. She was renowned for her literary works and her patronage of the arts.

In the Renaissance period, the name Prima saw a resurgence in popularity. Prima Trüberin, born in 1516, was a German Protestant reformer and writer who played a significant role in the Reformation movement. She was known for her influential writings and her advocacy for women's education.

Another famous bearer of the name was Prima Donna, an Italian opera singer who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. She was celebrated for her exceptional vocal talents and is credited with popularizing the term "prima donna," which originally referred to the leading female singer in an opera company.

As the centuries passed, the name Prima continued to be used, albeit less frequently. One notable modern example is Prima Shaan, an Indian classical dancer and choreographer born in 1948. She has made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian dance forms.

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

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

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