Prem
Meaninglove · Sanskrit
Prem is an Indian boy name meaning “love”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name.
Did you know?
- GenerationPrem peaked in 1999, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Prem you'd meet today is about 26 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Prem would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 142,857 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryPrem first shows up in US birth records in 1976, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 49 years since.
US births per million boys, 1976–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Prem
Prem is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “love”. Short and strong, it's said in a single beat with a crisp finish, so it pairs easily with a longer middle name. It hit its peak in the 1990s and is climbing again now. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian boy names
- Unisex name: Makai · toward the sea
- Boy name: Arjun · bright, shining
- Boy name: Zain · beauty, grace
- Unisex name: Idris · possibly studious
- Boy name: Aarav · peaceful, calm
- Unisex name: Rohan · ascending
- Unisex name: Aryan · noble
- Boy name: Ishaan · lord, ruler
Questions about the name Prem
What does the name Prem mean?
Prem means “love” and comes from Sanskrit. Names built around “love” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Love (“love”), Eros (“love”), Amor (“love”) and Mandy (“worthy of love”).
What is the origin of the name Prem?
Prem is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Prem a boy or girl name?
Prem is a boy name. In 2025, 12 US boys were named Prem.
How popular is the name Prem?
Prem ranked #6,803 for US boys in 2025, given to 12 babies. Its best year was 1999, when it reached #3,182. Over the last five years it has climbed 2,751 places.
What names are similar to Prem?
If you like Prem, you might also like Love, Eros, Amor and Mandy.
What should I know before naming my baby Prem?
Prem is an Indian boy name meaning “love”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.