Astoria is a unique and enchanting female given name of Greek origin. Derived from the ancient Greek word "Αστέριον" (Asterion), which means "little star," Astoria embodies the luminosity, beauty, and magic associated with celestial bodies.
The name Astoria has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, it is believed to be named after Asteria, the Titan goddess of stars and wisdom. According to legend, Asteria was one of the first beings created by Ouranos (the sky) and Gaia (the earth). She was renowned for her intelligence and wisdom, and her ability to see into the future. The name Astoria is also associated with the asteroid 231 Asterope, discovered in 1883, which further solidifies its celestial connection.
The name Astoria gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century, largely due to the influence of John Jacob Astor, the wealthy American businessman and philanthropist. He was one of the first Americans to amass a vast fortune from various businesses, including fur trading, real estate, and opium, which helped shape the early development of the American economy.
Astoria has also been used as a given name for females in other cultures throughout history. In some cases, it has been employed as a variant spelling of Asteria or Estella, while in others, it has been adopted as an independent name with its own unique allure.
Today, Astoria continues to captivate parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their daughters. With its Greek origins and celestial associations, the name Astoria signifies a bright, radiant, and wise individual, making it a timeless choice for girls born under the stars.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe an increasing trend in the number of births with the name Astoria in the United States over time. The name first appeared in the top 1000 names for babies born in the U.S. in the early 1990s, with eight births recorded in 1991 and ten births in 1992.
However, the popularity of the name fluctuated during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with fewer than ten births per year between 1996 and 2004. It wasn't until 2005 that we saw a significant increase in the number of babies named Astoria, with eleven births recorded that year.
Since then, the popularity of the name has continued to grow steadily. By 2017, there were 26 births with the name Astoria, and this number has since doubled to reach 67 births in 2023. Overall, from 1991 to 2023, a total of 543 babies born in the United States were named Astoria.
This trend suggests that the name Astoria has become increasingly popular among parents in recent years, with its popularity continuing to grow in the present day. However, it is important to note that while these statistics provide insight into the popularity of the name over time, they do not indicate anything about the significance or origin of the name itself.
In conclusion, the statistics demonstrate a clear upward trend in the number of babies named Astoria in the United States since the early 1990s. While the name may have started out as somewhat uncommon, it has since gained significant popularity and is now one of the more popular names for baby girls born in recent years.