Despina is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "despinis", which means "lord" or "master". The name Despina was traditionally used for girls in Greece and other parts of the former Byzantine Empire, where it was considered a title of respect rather than a personal name.
The name Despina has a long history dating back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, Despina is one of the three Graces, along with Aglaia and Euphrosyne. The Graces were associated with charm, beauty, and joy, and they were often depicted in art as graceful young women dancing or singing together.
In medieval Greece, the title "Despinis" was used to address high-ranking women, such as queens and princesses. Over time, the name Despina became more commonly used as a given name for girls of all social backgrounds.
Today, Despina is still a popular name in Greece and other countries with Greek-speaking populations, but it has not gained widespread international recognition like some other Greek names such as Sophia or Athena. Despite this, Despina remains an attractive and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something unique yet meaningful for their daughter.
The name Despina has a unique history of usage in the United States over the past century, with varying trends and fluctuations year by year.
In the early years of the 20th century, between 1914 to 1926, there were relatively few births with the name Despina. The highest number during this period was 19 births in 1927. However, this trend changed significantly from 1927 onwards.
From 1930 to 1958, the number of births with the name Despina dropped below double digits annually, except for a peak of 18 births in 1960. This period marked a considerable decline in the usage of this name compared to earlier years.
Starting from 1959 onwards, there was a steady increase in the number of births with the name Despina, reaching a high point of 36 births in 1976. This upward trend continued until the late 1980s and early 1990s when the numbers began to fluctuate more widely.
In recent years, from 2014 to 2023, the name Despina has seen a resurgence in popularity, with an average of about 10 births per year. The highest number during this period was 17 births in 2014 and 2023.
Overall, throughout these years, there have been a total of 1500 births registered with the name Despina in the United States. These statistics highlight how the popularity of the name Despina has evolved over time, with periods of growth and decline in usage. Despite its fluctuations, it remains a unique and distinct name choice for parents in the U.S.