Princess

Origin

English, derived from the Old French 'prince' with the feminine suffix '-ess'. The term 'princess' historically appears in medieval European texts, embodying notions of nobility and royalty. In the Australian context, it has been adopted into popular culture, especially in children’s literature and media, to denote a regal or idealised female figure. While not of Aboriginal or Māori origin, it has been integrated into Australian multicultural narratives and media representations.

Meaning

Literal translation as 'daughter of a prince' or 'female royal'. In Australian English, it is often used metaphorically to refer to a girl or woman perceived as delicate, regal, or deserving special treatment.

Pronunciation

/prɪnˌsɛs/ (Australian English pronunciation: prik-SES, with emphasis on the second syllable, soft 's' sound) *',' typically pronounced with a clear enunciation of the 's' sound.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• Never officially recognised in Catholic or Orthodox calendars. However, in some Anglican and Lutheran traditions, 12 April (Easter Sunday in many years) has been informal associated with the portrayal of the 'Queen of Heaven'. In Australian culture, 'Princess' as a name does not have a traditional name day.
• 25 December (Christmas), associated with the notion of a 'royal' celebration of the nativity
• Māori Rā Whānau dates are assigned to significant family celebrations but do not specifically align with 'Princess'.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with princess:

• Charlotte and James
• Olivia and William
• Amelia and Henry
• Grace and Jack
• Sophie and Leo

Fun Facts

• The name 'Princess' has been adopted by Australian pop icons and pop culture, including famous figures like Princess Mary of Denmark, who is a popular royal figure in Australia.
• In Australian children's literature, 'Princess' characters often embody virtues such as kindness, bravery, and compassion.
• Princess Diana, although British, was also a beloved figure in Australia and influenced naming trends in the 1980s and 1990s.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name princess:

• Idealistic
• Dreamy
• Caring
• Romantic
• Dependable

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and regal, often associated with delicate, flowing typefaces in branding and media, conveying beauty and grace in Australian fashion and media industries.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly found in urban areas and among families influenced by royal or media culture. Its use can be more prevalent in Western Australia and Victoria, reflecting higher exposure to media and cultural diversity.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 (using P=8, R=9, I=9, N=5, C=3, E=5, S=1, S=1). The number 7 is associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and intellectual pursuits.

Astrological Connections

Not directly linked to specific astrology, but could be associated with the zodiac sign Cancer or Leo, which represent nurturing and regal qualities respectively.

Historical Context

In Australian history, the term has been more prominent in popular culture than in formal naming conventions. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, coinciding with the global influence of monarchy and media culture. Famous Australian figures named 'Princess' include Princess Mary of Denmark, who married Crown Prince Frederik and became a beloved figure in Australia.

Linguistic Adaptability

Has little variation across languages, generally retained as 'Princess', though in non-English speaking communities, translations like 'Princesa' (Spanish, Portuguese) or 'Princesa' (Italian, French) are used.

Famous People Named princess

• Princess Mary (Danish royal, wife of Crown Prince Frederik)
• Lady Diana Spencer (not Australian but influential globally)
• Princess Oprah (a humorous, popular nickname in Australian pop culture)

Popularity in Australia