Clotilde is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements "hild" meaning "battle" or "fight", and "cloda" meaning "famous". Thus, Clotilde means "famous in battle" or "renowned fighter".
The name Clotilde has a rich history, dating back to the Merovingian dynasty of France. Saint Clotilde (474-545 AD) was the wife of King Clovis I of France and played a significant role in converting her husband and their kingdom to Christianity. She is considered one of the patron saints of France and is remembered for her piety, charity, and political influence.
Throughout history, several other notable women have carried the name Clotilde. In literature, Clotilde de Vaux was a French socialite and feminist who inspired Auguste Comte's philosophy of positivism. In music, Clotilde Jacklin was a Belgian opera singer active in the late 19th century.
In terms of popularity, Clotilde has been a relatively uncommon name in English-speaking countries but has seen some resurgence in recent years. It is more commonly used in France and other Francophone countries.
In summary, Clotilde is a historic and meaningful feminine given name with French origins. Its strong meaning and rich history make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and significant name for their daughter.
The name Clotilde has been given to a total of 1,013 babies in the United States over the past century and a half, based on the available statistical data. While it was quite popular during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, with peaks such as 29 births in 1918 and 36 births in 1924, its usage has significantly declined in recent years.
Between the years 1885 and 1975, there were considerable fluctuations in the number of babies named Clotilde each year. The name's popularity seemed to wane after the 1930s, with fewer than 20 births per year becoming more common during this period. However, there were still occasional spikes in popularity, such as the 15 births recorded in 1967 and 1970.
In recent times, from 1990 to 2015, the name Clotilde has been given to only five babies each year in the United States. This marked decrease in usage suggests that the name may now be considered quite rare or even outdated by many parents. Nevertheless, it is still possible for individuals to choose this distinctive name for their children if they wish to honor family tradition or simply appreciate its unique sound.
In conclusion, while Clotilde was once a relatively common name in the United States, its usage has significantly declined over time. However, with only around 1,000 babies sharing this name over more than a century and a half, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different and unique for their child's moniker.