The name Lota is of Spanish origin and it is derived from the word "lote," which means "lot" or "share." It is often used as a female given name in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country.
The name Lota is believed to have been popularized by the Basque novelist Pío Baroja, who used it as the name of one of his characters in his novel "La incognita." The character Lota was a young woman from Bilbao with a strong sense of independence and individuality. This portrayal may have contributed to the name's association with these qualities.
Lota is also associated with the island of La Toja, located off the coast of Spain near the city of Pontevedra in Galicia. The island has been a popular tourist destination since ancient times due to its hot springs and therapeutic mud baths. It is possible that the name Lota may have originated from this island or been inspired by it.
In some cases, the name Lota may also be associated with the Portuguese architect and designer José Lota. He was known for his innovative designs and contributions to modernist architecture in Portugal during the mid-20th century.
Overall, while Lota is a relatively uncommon name worldwide, it has a distinct Spanish origin and carries a unique history that makes it an interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Lota in the United States from 1881 to 1947, we can observe several trends and patterns:
* The number of babies named Lota varied significantly over this period, ranging from a low of 5 births in some years to a high of 20 births in others.
* There were peaks in the popularity of the name Lota around the early 1900s and again in the late 1910s and early 1920s. The highest number of babies named Lota was born in 1922, with 17 births that year.
* However, overall, the name Lota was not very common during this time period. In total, there were 586 babies named Lota born in the United States between 1881 and 1947.
It's important to note that these statistics only represent a small portion of the population and may not be indicative of broader trends or preferences regarding the name Lota. Additionally, changes in naming trends can be influenced by many factors, such as cultural shifts, fashion, and personal preferences.
Despite its relatively low popularity during this time period, it's clear that the name Lota has been present in the United States for at least over six decades, with a variable but persistent presence among baby names.