Monserrat is a unique and captivating female given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Catalan word "Monserrat," which means "serrated mountain." This name is inspired by Montserrat, a revered mountain located near Barcelona in Spain, known for its distinctive peaks and its famous monastery.
The name Monserrat has been associated with the Virgin Mary, as the mountain of Montserrat is dedicated to her. According to legend, in the 9th century, a group of shepherds found a statue of the Virgin Mary on the mountain. Since then, it has become a significant place of pilgrimage for Catholics.
Throughout history, Monserrat has been used as a given name primarily within Catalan-speaking regions and communities. However, its unique sound and meaning have made it appealing to parents around the world who seek distinctive names for their daughters.
Today, Monserrat remains a rare but notable name, often chosen by families with connections to Spanish culture or those simply drawn to its melodic sound and profound meaning. While it may not be as widely used as some other female names, Monserrat continues to hold significance in various cultures and communities worldwide.
The name Monserat has been given to a total of 404 babies in the United States since 1992. The popularity of this name has varied over time, with peaks in certain years and troughs in others.
In the early 1990s, Monserat was not very common, with only 7 births recorded in 1992 and 10 in 1993. However, it began to gain traction towards the end of the decade, with 11 births in 1999.
The turn of the millennium saw a significant increase in the popularity of Monserat, with 28 births in 2000 and over 30 births every year until 2005. The peak was reached in 2007, with 41 babies named Monserat that year.
However, like many names, Monserat's popularity has since declined. After a brief spike in 2009 (with 17 births), the number of babies named Monserat has been steadily decreasing, with only 5 or fewer births recorded every year from 2016 to 2022.
Despite this recent decline, it is clear that Monserat was once a popular choice for parents in the United States. The name's fluctuating popularity over the past three decades offers an interesting glimpse into the changing trends of baby naming in America.