Selestine is a unique and uncommon feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "selesticus," which means "of the moon" or "pertaining to the moon." The name Selestine is believed to have been first used as a given name in France during the Middle Ages, where it was often associated with the Catholic saints whose names were derived from celestial bodies such as the moon. Over time, Selestine has become less common, but it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In terms of its meaning, Selestine is often interpreted as symbolizing lunar energy, intuition, and mystery. As a name that is directly linked to the moon, Selestine evokes images of moonlight, night skies, and the natural world's cycles. This association with the moon can also lend the name a certain mystical or otherworldly quality.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Selestine. One such figure is Saint Selestine, whose feast day is celebrated on October 14th. Although little is known about her life, she is believed to have been a martyr during the early Christian persecution period and is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Another notable bearer of the name Selestine was the French noblewoman Selestine de Fiesque, who lived in the 15th century. She was known for her beauty and intelligence and became the wife of Jean Adhémar de Monteil, the Count of Lautrec.
In literature, the name Selestine has also made an appearance. It is the given name of one of the characters in "The Little Lame Prince" by Antoine François Prévost, a French writer from the 18th century.
Overall, Selestine is a unique and captivating feminine given name with a rich history and meaningful symbolism tied to the moon. Its rarity and distinctive sound make it an attractive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet significant name for their daughter.
The name Selestine has seen a limited but consistent presence in the United States over time. Between 1925 and 1951, there were a total of 41 babies born with this name.
During these years, the popularity of Selestine peaked in 1949 when 8 babies were given this name. However, it's worth noting that even in its peak year, Selestine was still not a very common name, as only 0.002% of all newborn girls born that year shared this name.
In the years surrounding its peak, Selestine maintained some level of popularity. In 1946 and 1950, there were 6 babies named Selestine each year. And in both 1925 and 1945, there were 5 births with this name.
While these numbers are small, they demonstrate that the name Selestine was not entirely uncommon during this period. However, it's clear that it was never a popular choice among parents, as it never made it into the top 1000 baby names for girls in any year between 1925 and 1951.
In conclusion, while Selestine may not have been a common name during this period, its consistent appearance over several decades shows that some families chose this name for their daughters.