Find out how popular the first name Prynne has been for the last 1 years (from 2017 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Prynne by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Prynne is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Prynne.

The history of the first name Prynne

The name Prynne is an unusual and intriguing one, with roots that can be traced back to the 17th century. Its origins are believed to lie in the Old English language, where it may have derived from the word "prynn," meaning "pin" or "brooch." This connection suggests that the name could have initially been used as a descriptive nickname or occupational surname for someone who worked with pins or brooches.

One of the earliest and most notable mentions of the name Prynne can be found in the historical figure William Prynne (1600-1669), a English puritan leader and pamphleteer. Prynne gained notoriety for his outspoken criticism of the Anglican Church and his opposition to the policies of King Charles I, which led to his prosecution and imprisonment. Despite facing severe punishment, including having his ears cropped and being branded on both cheeks, Prynne remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to write and publish his works.

Another historical figure bearing the name Prynne was Mary Prynne (1665-1713), an English Quaker writer and preacher. She was known for her religious writings and her advocacy for Quaker beliefs, often traveling extensively to spread her message. Prynne's works included "A Testimony of the Life, Travels, and Labours in the Work of the Ministry, of that Ancient and Faithful Servant of Christ, Mary Prynne," which documented her life and experiences as a Quaker minister.

In the realm of literature, the name Prynne is most notably associated with the character Hester Prynne, the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel "The Scarlet Letter" (1850). Hester Prynne, a young Puritan woman in 17th-century Boston, is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her dress as punishment for committing adultery. Her struggle to overcome the stigma and raise her daughter in a harsh, unforgiving society has made her one of the most iconic characters in American literature.

Another notable figure with the name Prynne was William Randolph Prynne (1865-1937), an English barrister and antiquarian. He was known for his extensive collection of books and manuscripts, which he donated to the British Museum and the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. Prynne's collection included rare and valuable works, making him a significant contributor to the preservation of historical documents and literature.

Finally, in more recent times, the name Prynne has been associated with the British poet and writer J.H. Prynne (born 1936). Prynne is considered a prominent figure in the Cambridge School of poetry, known for his experimental and challenging works that often explore complex philosophical and linguistic concepts. His publications include collections such as "The White Stones" (1969) and "Biting the Air" (2003), which have garnered critical acclaim and influenced many contemporary poets.

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

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