Levante is a distinctive and intriguing male given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "levantar," which means "to raise" or "to lift up." This name has been traditionally used in Spain, particularly among families with Catalan heritage.
The name Levante holds historical significance as it is associated with the region of Spain known as Levante, located on the eastern coast. This region includes the autonomous communities of Valencia and Murcia, and historically was under Moorish rule until the late 15th century.
In addition to its geographical association, the name Levante also has cultural importance in Spanish literature. It appears in several works by renowned authors such as Miguel de Cervantes, who used it as a nickname for some characters in his novels.
Levante is not a name that has been widely adopted internationally compared to other popular Spanish names like Carlos or Javier. However, it holds a unique charm and connection to Spanish history and culture. For those interested in lesser-known but culturally rich names, Levante might be an appealing choice.
In terms of popularity, Levante is not currently among the most common names in Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries. According to data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics, it has been given to fewer than 10 babies each year on average since records began in 2004.
Despite its relatively low usage, Levante continues to evoke images of Spanish history and culture, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique name with deep roots.
The name Levante has been given to a total of 71 babies in the United States between 1992 and 2001, with an average of about 7 births per year during that time period.
In terms of trends over time, the name's popularity appears to have been relatively consistent throughout this decade. The highest number of Levante births occurred in 1993, with 15 babies being named Levante that year. This was followed by a slight dip in popularity, with only 9 births in 1994 and 7 births in 1995.
However, the name's popularity rebounded somewhat after this initial decline, with 8 Levante births recorded in both 1996 and 2001. The lowest number of Levante births occurred in 1997, with only 6 babies being named Levante that year.
Overall, while the name Levante may not have been particularly common during this period, it did maintain a consistent level of popularity among parents choosing names for their children.