Bona is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "bonus," which means "good." It is also related to the Latin adjective "bonus," meaning "good, fine, handsome, or clever."
The name Bona has been used historically as both a given name and a title. In some cases, it has been used as a female given name, while in others, it has been used as a title for women of high rank, such as queens or princesses.
One notable example is Bona of Savoy, who was a Queen consort of Cyprus and Jerusalem from 1349 to 1359. She was the wife of King Peter I of Cyprus and is remembered for her efforts in promoting peace between the Christian and Muslim factions on the island.
Today, Bona continues to be used as a given name for girls in some cultures, particularly in countries with a strong Roman Catholic influence, such as Spain and the Philippines. It is also sometimes used as a middle name or a family name. Despite its historical usage, Bona remains relatively uncommon today as a personal name.
Overall, while Bona may not be as well-known as some other names of Latin origin, it has a rich history and an appealing meaning that makes it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Bona has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth was in 1915 with 8 occurrences. The name's popularity peaked in 1945 with a total of 16 births that year.
Interestingly, there were no recorded births with the name Bona from 1934 to 1940, and again from 1948 to 1961, indicating a period of relatively low usage. However, it seems that the name has seen some resurgence in recent years, with 5 births recorded in 2022.
Overall, since 1915 until now, there have been a total of 181 births registered with the name Bona in the United States. This data suggests that while not extremely common, the name Bona has maintained some presence throughout different decades.