Thekla is a unique and distinctive female given name of Greek origin. Derived from the Greek word "theklē," which means "fame" or "glory," Thekla was originally used to honor the memory of Saint Thecla, an early Christian martyr whose legend has been passed down through centuries.
Saint Thecla is believed to have lived during the 1st century AD and was a follower of Saint Paul the Apostle. According to her hagiography, she converted to Christianity after hearing Paul's teachings and ultimately became one of his most devoted disciples. Her story includes miraculous events and trials that she endured due to her faith.
The name Thekla began to gain popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Christians who sought to honor Saint Thecla's courage and devotion. Over time, Thekla has become more widely used as a given name for girls, though it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names of Greek origin like Sophia or Anastasia.
In some cultures, Thekla may also be associated with other meanings or interpretations. For instance, in Slavic languages, the name is sometimes translated to mean "glory" or "fame," reflecting its original Greek roots. Additionally, Thekla has been used as a given name in various forms across different languages, including Thklah, Tekla, and Tecla.
Overall, Thekla is an intriguing and historic female given name with deep roots in early Christian tradition. Its unique origin and significance make it an appealing choice for parents looking for distinctive names imbued with rich cultural heritage.
The name Thekla has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1882 and 2021, there were a total of 296 babies named Thekla.
The name's peak popularity occurred in 1918 with 13 births that year. This was followed by two years of high birth counts: 12 births in 1916 and 10 births in 1915. However, the number of babies named Thekla began to decline steadily after this period.
There were no recorded births of girls named Thekla between 1937 and 1962, indicating a significant decrease in popularity during these years. After reappearing with 5 births in 1962, there was another gap until the name resurfaced again with 6 births each in 1972 and 2021.
Overall, while Thekla was once a more popular choice for baby girls in the United States, its popularity has significantly waned over time. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to note that even after over a century, there were still babies named Thekla born as recently as last year.