Find out how popular the first name Pruitt has been for the last 15 years (from 2009 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Pruitt by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Pruitt is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 72% of people named Pruitt being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 male babies and 9 female babies born with the name Pruitt.

The history of the first name Pruitt

The given name Pruitt has its roots in the Old French language, originating in the medieval period. It is derived from the word "pruet," which means "prudent" or "wise." This name was likely bestowed upon individuals who were perceived as possessing these qualities.

In the early 13th century, the name Pruitt appeared in various forms, such as Pruet, Pruwet, and Pruyot, in historical records and documents across parts of northern France and the Normandy region. These early spellings reflected the linguistic evolution of the name over time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Pruitt can be found in the Annals of Rouen, a historical chronicle from the 13th century. The text mentions a certain "Pruwet le Sage," which translates to "Pruwet the Wise," further reinforcing the name's association with wisdom and prudence.

Throughout the medieval era, the name Pruitt gained popularity among the French nobility and upper classes, who valued the traits of wisdom and discretion. Several notable figures bearing this name emerged during this period, including Pruitt de Montfort (1235-1298), a renowned military commander who fought in the Eighth Crusade.

As the name spread across Europe, it underwent various linguistic adaptations and spellings. In England, for instance, the name took on the form of "Pruett," as evidenced by the records of Sir Pruett Knowles (1450-1521), a prominent knight and landowner in Gloucestershire.

During the Renaissance period, the name Pruitt continued to be used, albeit less frequently. One notable bearer was Pruitt Delacroix (1592-1669), a French philosopher and theologian who authored several influential works on ethics and morality.

In the 17th century, the name Pruitt made its way to the New World with French settlers and immigrants. Records show a Pruitt Lafleur (1625-1701) among the early settlers of Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia, Canada), where he became a respected member of the local community.

As the centuries passed, the name Pruitt remained relatively uncommon but retained its association with wisdom and prudence. In the 19th century, Pruitt Emerson (1820-1892), an American essayist and philosopher, became a notable figure who embodied these traits through his influential writings on self-reliance and individualism.

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

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

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