Diane is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the word "divus," which means "heavenly" or "divine." It was originally used as a Roman family name before becoming popular as a given name in the Middle Ages.
In ancient Roman mythology, Diane was known as the goddess of the hunt and the moon. She was often depicted as a beautiful woman with the ability to change her appearance at will. The name Diane is also associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition, where she is sometimes referred to as "Diana Maria."
The name Diane has been used throughout history by various notable figures, including the French queen Diane de Poitiers (1500-1566) and the English writer and feminist Diana Athill (1917-2018). It was also a popular choice among aristocratic families in Europe during the 19th century.
Today, Diane remains a classic and timeless name for girls. Its meaning of "heavenly" or "divine" gives it an air of elegance and sophistication, while its association with the goddess Diana adds a touch of mystery and intrigue. Whether you're naming your child after the Roman goddess or simply appreciate the beauty of the name, Diane is a wonderful choice for a girl's name.
The name Diane has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity over time. Between 1933 and 1993, there were a total of 1384 babies named Diane born in the U.S.
The peak years for the name Diane were during World War II, with 33 births each year from 1943 to 1945. This may be attributed to the patriotic spirit and unity felt throughout the country during this time. However, it is important to note that the overall birth rate in the U.S. was higher during these years due to the baby boom after the war.
The name Diane remained relatively popular throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, with an average of about 40 births per year. However, it began to decline in popularity starting in the mid-1960s, with fewer than 30 births each year from 1965 to 1972.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the name Diane experienced a resurgence in popularity, with an average of about 10 births per year. However, it remained less popular than it had been during its peak years.
Overall, while the name Diane has not been consistently popular throughout the past century, it has still been chosen for a significant number of babies born in the U.S. It is clear that parents have appreciated the timelessness and uniqueness of this name, as it continues to be used today albeit at a lower frequency than in previous decades.
It's always interesting to observe how names trend over time, reflecting societal shifts and cultural influences. The statistics for the name Diane provide an informative snapshot of its popularity throughout several decades in the U.S.