Dominique is a given name of French origin that is derived from the Latin word "Dominicus," which means "of the Lord" or "masterful." It is ultimately derived from the Latin word "dominus," meaning "lord" or "master."
The name Dominique has been popular throughout history, with numerous notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous was Saint Dominic de Guzman (1170-1221), a Spanish priest who founded the Dominican Order, a mendicant religious order within the Catholic Church. The Dominicans are known for their commitment to study and preaching, and they have made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, theology, and art.
Another notable figure with the name Dominique was French poet and playwright Tristan Bernard (1866-1947), who wrote under the pseudonym "Dominique". He was known for his witty and satirical works that often critiqued contemporary society.
The name Dominique has also been popular in music, with several artists using it as their stage name. One example is Dominique Durocher, a Canadian singer-songwriter who performs under the name "Coeur de pirate."
In terms of its popularity, the name Dominique was particularly common in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has been given to more boys than girls since the 1950s.
Overall, Dominique is a classic French given name with a rich history and numerous notable figures throughout history. Its meaning of "of the Lord" or "masterful" makes it a strong and authoritative-sounding name that continues to be popular today.
The name Dominique has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. In 1978, there were 5 births with this name, which increased to 6 births in both 1979 and 1981. There was a significant rise in popularity between 1983 and 1985, with 10 births in 1983, 13 births in 1984, and peaking at 33 births in 1985. This high point was followed by a decrease, with 24 births in 1986 and 19 births in 1987. The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with 18 births in 1988, 11 births in 1989, 9 births in 1991, and finally 6 births in both 1992 and 1993. Overall, from 1978 to 1993, there were a total of 165 births with the name Dominique in the United States.