Promise

• Origin: English
• Meaning: “promise.”
• Gender: unisex
• Pron: PRAH-mis

From the English word promise, the name came into use as a virtue name in the 17th century and has historically been used for both males and females. By the 19th century in North America, it was also occasionally synchronized with the male name Primus.

In more recent times, Promise has become especially common in English-speaking Africa, particularly Nigeria, where it is used for both males and females.

In the United States, Promise has experienced a modern revival, particularly among girls. It entered the U.S. Top 1000 in 2018 and reached its highest rank of #716 in 2023. As of 2025, it ranks at #826.

Notable bearers include Nigerian basketball player and Olympian Promise Amukamara (b. 1993) and Irish-Nigerian professional footballer Promise Omochere (b. 2000).

Sources

• http://www.findagrave.com
• http://www.familysearch.org
• http://www.ssa,gov
• https://www.behindthename.com/name/promise