Prosper is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "prosperare," which means "to cause to succeed" or "to make thrive." The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and was often given as a Christian name, reflecting the hope for a prosperous life.
The name Prosper gained popularity during the Renaissance period, particularly among French and Italian families. It was also used by several notable figures throughout history, including Prosper Mérimée, a French novelist and dramatist, and Prosper Lewis, a British writer known for his translations of Greek classics.
In literature, Prosper is perhaps best known as the protagonist in Shakespeare's "The Tempest." In this play, Prosper is the rightful Duke of Milan who has been exiled by his brother Antonio. Despite his misfortunes, Prosper remains calm and patient, ultimately regaining his dukedom through wisdom and forgiveness.
While not a particularly common name today, Prosper continues to be used as a given name for boys. It offers a unique and distinctive option for parents looking for a name with historical roots and a meaningful meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Prosper has had varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1881 and 1947, there were fewer than 10 births per year with the name Prosper, with some years having no recorded births with this name.
However, starting from 1998, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Prosper. In 2008, there were 12 births with the name Prosper, which is the highest number recorded between 1881 and 2008. This trend continued into the 2010s, with a significant spike in popularity starting from 2015.
Between 2015 and 2023, there were at least 18 births per year with the name Prosper, with the highest number recorded being 45 births in 2022. This indicates that the name Prosper has gained considerable popularity among parents in recent years.
Overall, while the name Prosper may not have been particularly popular throughout much of the 20th century, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with hundreds of babies being named Prosper since 1998.