Promise
95% girls · 5% boys
About Promise
Promise is a meaningful masculine virtue name that directly expresses the concept of commitment and hope. As an English word name, it carries transparent meaning, representing assurance, potential, and covenant. While more commonly given to girls, Promise has a history of use for boys particularly in some African and Christian communities, where virtue names and meaningful word names are valued traditions. The name gained some usage in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, coinciding with the rise of unique spiritual and aspirational names. For a boy, Promise offers a blend of strength and sensitivity, conveying reliability and optimism while standing apart from conventional masculine naming patterns.
Promise for girls#826 US
Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name, like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness illustrates perhaps the biggest problem with naming your baby girl Promise: It will be difficult for people to resist making bad puns on the name. We promise (argh) you'll be tired of hearing them well before your baby Promise's first birthday.
Pronounced PROM-is.
As of October 2026, Promise ranked #5343 for boys and #826 for girls in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3200 for boys in 2022 and #716 for girls in 2023.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · boys | Births · boys | US rank · girls | Births · girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | #1,046 | 249 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | #1,071 | 246 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | #1,172 | 215 |
| 2017 | #4,704 | 21 | #1,063 | 242 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | #912 | 295 |
| 2019 | #3,968 | 27 | #846 | 319 |
| 2020 | #4,114 | 25 | #853 | 319 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | #736 | 388 |
| 2022 | #3,200 | 38 | #782 | 364 |
| 2023 | #4,082 | 27 | #716 | 393 |
| 2024 | #4,824 | 21 | #818 | 336 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | #826 | 330 |
World rankings
Promise for girls
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Promise on lists
Famous Promises
- Promise PhanGirl
YouTube makeup artist (username dope2111), sister,in,law of Michelle Phan