Dominica is a unique and distinctive feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "dominus," which means "lord" or "master." Thus, the name Dominica can be translated to mean "of the Lord" or "belonging to the Lord."
The name Dominica has been used in various forms throughout history, with some variations including Dominique, Dominika, and Dominiga. In many cultures, it is often associated with female saints who were known for their piety and devotion to God.
One of the most notable historical figures named Dominica was Saint Dominic (1170-1221), a Spanish priest and founder of the Dominican Order, which was devoted to preaching and study. Although he was male, his name has influenced many female names throughout history, including Dominica.
In some cases, the name Dominica is also associated with the island nation of Dominica in the Caribbean Sea, which was named after a Spanish explorer named Christopher Columbus who landed there on a Sunday (Dominica in Latin) during his voyages in 1493.
Despite its historical and religious significance, the name Dominica has not been as widely used as some other feminine names. However, it remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter. The name Dominica can also be shortened to Dominic or Dominique, providing additional nickname options. Overall, the name Dominica is a powerful and meaningful choice that carries a rich history behind it.
The name Dominica has been given to a total of 2,323 babies born in the United States between 1909 and 2023. The number of births varied significantly over this period.
In the early years, the number of babies named Dominica fluctuated between 5 and 25 births per year from 1909 to 1929. However, there was a notable increase in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with over 30 births recorded annually between 1967 and 1974.
The peak years for the name Dominica were 1979 and 1980, when there were 56 births each year. This marked a significant increase in popularity compared to previous decades. However, this trend was short-lived, and the number of births began to decline again after these peak years.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the number of babies named Dominica remained relatively stable, with between 29 and 55 births per year. The late 1990s saw a slight decrease in popularity, with fewer than 40 births recorded annually from 1996 onwards.
In the early 2000s, there was another brief spike in popularity for the name Dominica, with over 30 births recorded in both 2001 and 2003. However, since then, the number of babies named Dominica has steadily declined once again.
Between 2011 and 2023, there were fewer than 20 births per year for the name Dominica. The most recent data available shows that in 2022, only 9 babies were named Dominica at birth. This represents a significant decrease in popularity compared to previous decades.
Overall, while the name Dominica has seen periods of increased popularity throughout history, it appears that its usage has declined in recent years and remains relatively uncommon today.