UK boy's name
Prem
A masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "love" or "affection".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Prem is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Prem popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2921, with 7 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2006, with 19 births.
This profile covers 262 England and Wales registrations across 29 recorded years from 1996 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 37% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 260 living people in the UK are called Prem. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Prem ranked #2921 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 7 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2006, when 19 boys were registered as Prem.
- • About 260 living people in the UK are estimated to have Prem as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#2921
2024
Births in 2024
7
Latest year
Peak year
2006
19 births
Estimated living
260
2026
Meaning
What does Prem mean?
The name Prem is of Sanskrit origin and is derived from the word "prem," which means "love" or "affection" in several Indian languages. It is a popular name among Hindus, particularly in India and Nepal.
The earliest recorded use of the name Prem dates back to ancient Hindu texts, where it was often used as a synonym for the divine love and devotion that devotees felt towards their deities. In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered Hindu scriptures, the concept of "prem" is central to the teachings of Lord Krishna.
One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Prem was Prem Chand (1880-1936), a celebrated Indian writer and novelist who is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Hindi literature. His works explored themes of social injustice, poverty, and the struggles of ordinary people in pre-independence India.
Another notable individual with the name Prem was Prem Rawat (born 1957), an Indian-born spiritual leader and ambassador of peace. He is known for his teachings on inner peace, love, and personal growth, and has inspired millions of followers worldwide through his speeches and writings.
In the realm of music, Prem Joshua (born 1977) is a renowned Indian singer, songwriter, and composer who has gained popularity for his fusion of traditional Indian and contemporary Western styles. His soulful melodies and lyrics often celebrate love, spirituality, and the beauty of nature.
Prem Krishen (1920-2004) was an Indian civil servant and environmentalist who played a crucial role in the establishment of several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. He is widely recognized for his efforts in preserving India's rich biodiversity and raising awareness about environmental conservation.
Prem Sahib (born 1988) is a contemporary British artist known for his thought-provoking installations and sculptures that explore themes of identity, desire, and cultural hybridity. His works have been exhibited in numerous international art exhibitions and galleries, earning him critical acclaim in the art world.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Prem over time
The chart below shows babies named Prem registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Prem, the clearest high point is 2006. The latest England and Wales figure is 7 births in 2024, compared with 19 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Prem by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Prem was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #3175 | 30 | 5 |
| 2010s | #2175 | 100 | 10 |
| 2000s | #1840 | 101 | 10 |
| 1990s | #1559 | 31 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Prem
- Patrick 17,559
- Peter 13,150
- Paul 8,542
- Philip 4,997
- Parker 4,664
- Phoenix 3,865
- Preston 3,370
- Prince 1,782
- Patryk 1,763
- Phillip 1,697
- Percy 1,395
- Perry 1,015
FAQ
Prem: questions and answers
How popular is the name Prem in the UK right now?
In 2024, Prem was ranked #2921 for boys in England and Wales, with 7 births registered.
When was Prem most popular?
The peak year on record was 2006, with 19 babies registered as Prem in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Prem?
A masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "love" or "affection".
How many people are called Prem in the UK?
A total of 262 babies have been registered as Prem across the 29 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.