Caridad is a female given name of Spanish origin and meaning. It comes from the Latin word "caritas", which translates to "charity" or "love". The name Caridad is often associated with the virtue of charity, kindness, and generosity.
In Spanish-speaking countries, such as Spain and Latin America, Caridad has been a popular name for centuries. It was particularly common in the past when it was believed that giving a child a name associated with virtue would bring them good fortune and protect them from evil.
One notable historical figure named Caridad is Saint Caridad del Cobre (also known as Our Lady of Charity), who is the patron saint of Cuba. According to legend, she appeared to three fishermen off the coast of Cuba in 1638, holding a statue of herself. Today, millions of Catholics around the world honor her on September 8th each year.
Despite its historical significance and widespread use in Spanish-speaking countries, Caridad remains relatively uncommon outside of these regions. However, it continues to be beloved by those who bear this unique and meaningful name.
The name Caridad has been given to a total of 1,754 babies in the United States over the years, with the most popular periods being from 1952 to 1968 and again from 1982 to 1990. During these times, there were consistently more than 30 births each year.
The name's popularity has varied significantly over time. In the early years, it was quite uncommon, with fewer than 10 babies being named Caridad each year between 1924 and 1951. However, starting in 1952, there was a notable increase in its usage, reaching a peak of 59 births in 1971.
After this peak, the number of births with the name Caridad began to decline steadily until the early 1980s, when it experienced another brief period of popularity. Since then, the name's usage has been relatively low and stable, with fewer than 20 babies being named Caridad each year between 1991 and 2021.
In recent years, there have been around 5 to 11 births per year with the name Caridad in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, this unique and distinctive name has been given to a significant number of babies across several generations.