Pruden

Pruden is a surname of English origin and, less commonly, a given name. In historical records, the name appears in England and among early settlers in North America, and it remains in use in contemporary English-speaking countries. The precise origin of the surname is not certain. It is commonly thought to derive from a medieval nickname based on the adjective prudent, referring to someone reputed for careful or sensible conduct. Alternatively, it may have arisen as a toponymic or occupational name related to foresight or forethought, or from a now-obscure place name.

The surname is carried by families across the English-speaking world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other regions influenced by British migration. Notable individuals with the surname Pruden have appeared in fields such as politics, sports, journalism, and the arts, reflecting its broad geographic distribution.

As a given name, Pruden is relatively rare but attested in historical documents. The form and spelling of the name can vary by region and over time. See also related names such as Prudence and other historical spellings.