Capitola is a unique and distinctive given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the city of Capitolo, which is located in the province of Foggia in southern Italy. The city's name is believed to have originated from the Latin word "capitolium," meaning "capital" or "chief town."
The name Capitola is not particularly common and does not have a widely accepted meaning or symbolism beyond its geographical origins. However, some people may associate it with the following meanings:
1. Chief town: Given its Italian origin, Capitola could be interpreted as meaning "capital" or "head town."
2. Headland: Another possible interpretation is that Capitola refers to a headland or promontory, which are landforms that extend out into a body of water.
3. Victory: Some sources suggest that Capitola could be associated with the concept of victory, as it shares some similarities with the Italian word "capitolare," meaning "to conquer" or "to win."
While there is no definitive history behind the name Capitola, it has been used sporadically throughout history. One notable example is Capitolina Maurer, an American artist and suffragist who was born in the late 19th century. However, Capitola remains a relatively uncommon given name, with its usage limited primarily to Italian-speaking regions and families seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.
In conclusion, Capitola is a rare and distinctive given name of Italian origin that is derived from the city of Capitolo. While it does not have a widely accepted meaning or symbolism beyond its geographical origins, some people may associate it with concepts such as chief town, headland, or victory. Its usage has been limited throughout history, but it continues to be used by families seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.
The name Capitola has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 579 babies given this name since 1882.
In its earliest years of record, from 1882 to 1896, Capitola was given to an average of around 8-9 babies per year. The late 1800s and early 1900s saw a steady increase in the number of babies named Capitola, reaching a peak of 25 births in 1914.
The height of popularity for the name Capitola was during World War I, from 1914 to 1918, with an average of around 20-26 babies per year. This period saw a significant increase in the number of girls named Capitola, suggesting that parents at this time may have been drawn to names with historical or cultural significance.
However, after the war, the popularity of the name Capitola began to decline. From 1919 to 1937, an average of around 6-10 babies were named Capitola per year. This trend continued into the 1940s and 1950s, with only a few births per year.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Capitola has maintained a unique presence in American naming culture for over a century. Its historical significance and distinctive sound continue to appeal to parents seeking uncommon yet meaningful names for their children.