Chaunice is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It was created by the author Charlotte Armstrong for her character Chauncey in her 1946 novel "The Big Clock." The name Chauncey itself is derived from the Old French word "chaunceller," which means "clerk" or "chancellor."
Despite its masculine roots, the name Chaunice has been predominantly used as a female given name. It was introduced to popular culture through Armstrong's novel and subsequent film adaptation in 1948. Since then, it has appeared occasionally in baby name lists but remains relatively rare.
The name Chaunice does not have an explicit meaning beyond its origins. However, its unique sound and spelling often make it appealing to parents looking for something different. It typically carries no specific cultural or historical significance outside of its literary beginnings.
In terms of usage, Chaunice has not gained widespread popularity. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only a handful of babies have been named Chaunice each year since records began in 1950. This contributes to its rarity and distinctiveness today.
Overall, Chaunice is an unusual and memorable female given name with American literary origins. Its unique sound and spelling make it an appealing choice for parents seeking something different, despite the fact that it does not have a specific meaning or cultural significance beyond its creation by Charlotte Armstrong.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Chaunice has seen a variable number of births in the United States over the years from 1988 to 2000. The peak year for newborn girls named Chaunice was 1993 and 1994, with 10 births each year. However, there was a significant decrease in popularity after that period, with only 6 births in 1995, 5 births in 1997, and another 5 births in 2000. Despite this fluctuation, the name Chaunice has still seen a total of 70 births in the United States during these years.