Pryor is an uncommon, distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Pryor, which is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was wise or had exceptional judgment, or perhaps for someone who was often seen wearing spectacles. The name Pryor has been used primarily in the United States and Canada since the 19th century.
The name Pryor experiences periods of popularity and fluctuation over time. The peak years for the name Pryor appear to be recent, with a significant increase from 2017 onwards. Between 2017 and 2022, there were more than 30 births each year, with a high of 44 in 2019. However, the majority of years show fewer than 15 births per year, indicating that the name is not among the most common.