Alphonsine is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. Derived from the Latin word "alphonsus," which means "noble" or "ready to defend," Alphonsine was traditionally used as a feminine form of this name.
The name has a rich history, with several notable figures bearing the name Alphonsine throughout the centuries. One such figure is Saint Alphonsine Danilow (1846-1937), a Russian nun and mystic who is venerated by the Catholic Church. Saint Alphonsine was known for her deep devotion to God, her profound mystical experiences, and her tireless service to the sick and poor.
In literature, the name Alphonsine appears in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables." In this work, Alphonsine is a character who plays a small but significant role in the lives of several of the main characters.
Despite its rich history and interesting origins, Alphonsine remains relatively rare today. It is not among the most popular names for girls in French-speaking countries or elsewhere. Nevertheless, its unique sound and intriguing backstory may appeal to parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the trend of births with the name Alphonsine in the United States over several decades. Here's a breakdown of the information:
* Between 1882 and 1935, there were 74 recorded births with the name Alphonsine.
* The most common years for babies named Alphonsine during this period were 1882 and 1885, each with 7 births.
* From 1907 to 1922, there was a decrease in the number of births with the name Alphonsine, ranging from 6 to 5 births per year.
* There was a gap of nearly 9 decades without any recorded births with the name Alphonsine until 2023, when there were 5 births.
In summary, while Alphonsine was not a common name in recent years, it experienced some popularity during the late 19th to early 20th century in the United States. However, it's important to note that these statistics represent a small sample size and may not be representative of the overall naming trends in the country during those periods.
It is always fascinating to explore historical data like this as it provides insight into past naming conventions and helps us understand how our culture and society have evolved over time.