Hermione is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the word "hermeneus," which means "interpreter" or "messenger." In Greek mythology, Hermione was the daughter of King Menelaus and Helen of Troy, making her the half-sister of Prince Paris, who abducted Helen, sparking the Trojan War. The name Hermione is also associated with the heroine in Shakespeare's play "The Winter's Tale," where she plays a significant role as the child believed to have died during infancy but was actually hidden away and later returned.
In literature, perhaps the most well-known Hermione is from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. In these popular books and films, Hermione Granger is portrayed as an intelligent, book-loving, and brave Muggle-born witch who becomes a close friend to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Despite its association with strong female characters in literature, the name Hermione has not been particularly popular in recent years.
It is estimated that Hermione was used as a given name for fewer than 5 girls born in the United States between 2014 and 2018, according to data from the Social Security Administration. However, it remains an uncommon but distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Parents who choose this name may appreciate its unique sound and connection to ancient mythology, as well as its association with strong female characters in literature.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Hermione has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. While it was relatively uncommon from 1898 to around the 1950s, with only sporadic occurrences each year, it began to gain traction in the late 20th century.
The turning point seems to be around the early 2000s, when there were suddenly 59 births in 2003. This number more than doubled by 2006, reaching 74 births that year. Since then, the name has continued to grow in popularity, with over 100 births recorded each year from 2018 onwards.
Interestingly, the name Hermione reached an all-time high in popularity in 2022, with a total of 115 births recorded. This trend has continued into 2023, with 101 births already recorded by this point. It will be fascinating to see if this upward trajectory continues in the coming years.
Overall, these statistics show that while Hermione was once a rare name in the United States, it has since become increasingly popular among parents choosing names for their children. The name's popularity appears to have been steadily increasing over time, with a significant surge occurring within the past two decades.