Prior

English surname

"head of the monastery, prior"

Prior Origin and Meaning

The name Prior is a boy's name.

Prior is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'prior' meaning 'former' or 'previous.' It was traditionally used as an occupational surname for someone who held the position of prior, a high-ranking official in a medieval monastery, second only to the abbot. As a first name, Prior has been relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive and somewhat aristocratic feel. The name carries connotations of leadership, wisdom, and spiritual dedication. In modern usage, Prior remains a rare choice for boys, appealing to parents looking for a name with historical depth and an understated elegance that stands apart from more common choices.

20 Names Similar to Prior

These 20 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Prior.

• Festo
• Mercie
• Jocko
• Essy
• Dortea
• Ruggero
• Vyolet
• Putnam
• Judoc
• Ouen
• Lynelle
• Cadwalader
• Alfons
• Abt
• Georges
• Kuzma
• Berto
• Rhoads
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• Dorthe

The name Prior in Pop Culture

• Caleb Prior character in Divergent trilogy, brother to Beatrice Prior
• Beatrice "Tris" Prior main character in the Divergent trilogy, sister to Caleb Prior
• Prior title for the head of a monastery
• Priors alien race on TV's "Stargate: SG,1"
• Prior Walter character in "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner