Medieval English form of Prudentia, the feminine form of Prudentius. In France it is both the feminine form and a rare masculine form. In England it was used during the Middle Ages and was revived in the 17th century by the Puritans, in part from the English word prudence, ultimately of the same source. Prudence originates in Latin language and means "provident, cautious". It is a feminine form of Prudentius. Prudence is one of the Cardinal Virtues, together with justice, fortitude and temperance. As a feminine given name it has been used since the 16th century.
