Promise
Promise is a girl name of English origin meaning “A pledge, a vow”, pronounced PROM-iss. It ranked #826 in the United States in 2025, given to 330 babies, and peaked at #714 in 2023. Common nicknames: Promi, Missy.
How popular is Promise in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Promise mean, and where does it come from?
Promise comes through Old French from the Latin promissum, "a thing sent forth" — a pledge given and expected to be kept. As a name it sits with Hope, Destiny and Justice among the English abstractions, and it is used for girls in the United States and for both sexes in Nigeria, where the virtue-name tradition is strongest. American records hold it from 1975; it entered the top thousand in 2018 and peaked in 2023. Parents almost always mean the biblical sense, the promise made rather than the one owed.
How is Promise used around the world?
Promise is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Promise?
Famous People Named Promise
- Promise David — Canadian professional footballer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Promise
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Promise mean?
Promise is a girl name of English origin meaning "A pledge, a vow." Promise comes through Old French from the Latin promissum, "a thing sent forth" — a pledge given and expected to be kept. As a name it sits with Hope, Destiny and Justice among the English abstractions, and it is used for girls in the United States and for both sexes in Nigeria, where the virtue-name tradition is strongest.
How do you pronounce Promise?
Promise is pronounced PROM-iss. Common variations include Promiss, Promesa.
Is Promise a girl name?
Yes, Promise is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Promi, Missy.