Origin
Derived from Old French 'princesse', from Latin 'princeps' meaning 'first citizen' or 'leader'. The term has been used since the Middle Ages across European monarchies. In Australian contexts, the word 'princess' is primarily cultural and literary, with no indigenous roots but widely recognised through British colonial history and popular culture.
Meaning
Literal meaning is 'daughter of a king' or 'female royal'. In Australian English, it also connotes qualities such as grace, elegance, and a sense of nobility, often used metaphorically or affectionately.
Pronunciation
/ˈprɪn.ses/ (Australian English pronunciation), with emphasis on the first syllable 'PRIN-sess'. The 's' final is pronounced clearly, and the vowel sounds are typical Australian pronunciations.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Princess (standard), Princessa (rare, archaic), Princesse (French influence), Princéz (less common variant)
- 'Princessa' occasionally appears in fictional contexts.
- 'Prinsesa' in Tagalog-influenced Australian multicultural communities.
Nicknames
- Princessie
- Prinnie
- Penny
- 'Penny' can sometimes be used as a diminutive in Australian informal contexts, although it is more common for other names.
Name Days
- 25 July (Feast of Saint Princess Elizabeth) - Recognised historically in Christian calendars, though not widely observed in Australia.
- No specific M e4ori or Aboriginal Cultural days for 'Princess'.
- Celebrations of royal birthdays (e.g., Queen Elizabeth II's birthday in April) often bring attention to the term 'princess'.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with princess:
- Elizabeth and Victoria
- Ava and Grace','Charlotte and Alice
- Emma and Mia'],'Hermione and Annabel
Fun Facts
- The name 'Princess' was popularised in Australia partly due to royal influences and popular media.
- Australian children’s stories often feature characters with 'princess' in their titles, reflecting cultural ideals of fairy tales.
- The Australian Hydrographic Service named a whale 'Princess' in 2010, showing the name's usage beyond humans.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name princess:
- Regal
- Elegant
- Compassionate
- Gentle
- Graceful
Aesthetic Qualities
The name evokes images of elegance and beauty, often considered visually aesthetic in typography, especially in serif fonts for formal occasions or branding.
Geographical Distribution
More popular in urban centers such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane; less common in rural and regional areas. The name’s usage correlates with exposure to media and royal influence.
Numerological Significance
Name number 9 (if using Pythagorean numerology), associated with humanitarianism and artistic talent, which aligns with the gentle and compassionate traits often attributed to the name.
Astrological Connections
Often associated with the zodiac sign Leo (August birthdays), symbolising leadership and regal qualities, fitting for its meaning and cultural connotations.
Historical Context
The title 'Princess' has been emblematic in Australian society, especially with the Royal Family’s prominence. The name has appeared in Australian pop culture, including celebrities and fictional characters. Notably, Australian princesses such as Princess Mary of Denmark have contributed to the name's prestige.
Linguistic Adaptability
Adapted straightforwardly across English-speaking countries; rarely altered in other languages but spelled as 'Princesa' in Spanish or Portuguese contexts, and 'Prinzessin' in German.
Famous People Named princess
- Princess Mary (Danish Royal Family)
- Princess Mary of Denmark (born in Tasmania)
- Princess Charlotte (British Royal Family)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |