Doniece is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created by the renowned Harlem Renaissance artist and activist, Aaron Douglas, for his daughter in the early 20th century.
The name Doniece is derived from the combination of two elements: "Don," which is of Scottish origin and means "dark" or "brown-haired," and "iece," a diminutive suffix of Irish origin. Therefore, the name Doniece can be interpreted as meaning "little dark one."
Although it is not clear why Douglas chose this particular name for his daughter, it is possible that he intended to pay homage to both his Scottish and Irish ancestry while also creating a unique and memorable moniker.
Despite its African American origins, Doniece has not gained widespread popularity among parents in the United States or elsewhere. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only a handful of babies have been named Doniece each year since records began being kept in 1936.
Nevertheless, those who bear this unusual name can take pride in its unique origins and meaning, as well as its association with the notable figure Aaron Douglas. Moreover, Doniece is a name that stands out from the crowd, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Doniece has had a steady but relatively uncommon presence among newborns in the United States over the past few decades. Between 1949 and 1993, there were a total of 44 babies named Doniece born across the country.
The name's popularity peaked in the early 1990s, with 7 births each in both 1990 and 1993. This suggests that during this time period, the name Doniece may have been particularly fashionable or had some significance in popular culture that contributed to its increased usage.
Interestingly, prior to the 1990s, the number of babies named Doniece remained consistently low, with only five births each in the years 1949, 1960, 1978, 1981, and 1983. This indicates that the name Doniece was not widely used during these earlier decades.
Overall, while Doniece is not among the most popular names in the United States, it has seen some fluctuations in usage over time. It will be fascinating to see if this trend continues or changes in future years.