Prudence

girlLatinChristian

Prudence is a Christian girl name of Latin, via French origin, meaning “Good judgement, foresight”.

MeaningGood judgement, foresight
GenderGirl
OriginLatin, via French
PronunciationPROO-dens
TraditionChristian
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States

Meaning and origin of Prudence

Prudence comes from the Latin prudentia, 'foresight' or 'practical wisdom', a contraction of providentia. Prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues, and English Puritans of the seventeenth century used it as a virtue name along with Patience and Constance. The Beatles' song Dear Prudence, written for Prudence Farrow, gave it a twentieth-century boost. Prue and Pru are the usual short forms.

Is Prudence a Christian name?

Prudence is a Christian virtue name: prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues in Catholic teaching, and the name was popular among Puritans who chose names for moral qualities.

How popular is Prudence?

Rare today, with occasional use in Britain as a vintage virtue name.

Gifts with the name Prudence

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Spellings and variants of Prudence

PrudenciaPruePrudenza

Names similar to Prudence

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Prudence mean?

Prudence means 'Good judgement, foresight'. It is of Latin, via French origin.

Is Prudence a Christian name?

Prudence is a Christian virtue name: prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues in Catholic teaching, and the name was popular among Puritans who chose names for moral qualities.

How do you pronounce Prudence?

Prudence is pronounced PROO-dens.

Is Prudence a boy or girl name?

Prudence is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.