Hannibal is a unique and distinctive name of Carthaginian origin, derived from the Punic language, which was spoken by the ancient North African civilization known as Carthage. The name Hannibal is believed to mean "favorite of the god Baal" or "gift of the god Baal," reflecting the religious significance attributed to children in ancient Carthaginian culture.
The most famous bearer of this name is undoubtedly Hannibal Barca, a renowned Carthaginian military commander who lived during the third century BCE. Known for his extraordinary military genius and strategic prowess, Hannibal played a pivotal role in the Second Punic War against Rome, infamously leading his army and war elephants across the Alps to invade Italy. His remarkable achievements have immortalized the name Hannibal throughout history.
Despite its ancient origins and historical significance, the name Hannibal is not particularly common today. However, it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound, rich history, and distinctive character. It remains a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable and meaningful name for their child.
In summary, the name Hannibal has Carthaginian roots and means "favorite of the god Baal" or "gift of the god Baal." Its most famous bearer is Hannibal Barca, the legendary Carthaginian general whose military accomplishments have left an indelible mark on history. Although not commonly used today, the name Hannibal retains its allure for those captivated by its unique sound and rich heritage.
The name Hannibal has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a total of 769 babies being given this unique and historical name since 1885.
While it's difficult to determine exact trends due to the fluctuating numbers year by year, there are some notable patterns worth mentioning. The name Hannibal first gained popularity around the early 1900s, with at least five births recorded in both 1885 and 1899. This popularity continued into the following decades, with several years seeing between eight to fifteen births each.
Interestingly, there was a spike in popularity for the name Hannibal during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with sixteen or more births occurring annually from 1976 to 1985. This trend persisted through the early 2000s, with another significant peak happening between 2007 and 2014.
More recently, the name Hannibal has seen a resurgence in popularity since 2011, with numbers consistently ranging from eight to nineteen births per year up until 2021. This trend suggests that parents continue to appreciate the uniqueness and historical significance of this name for their children.
In conclusion, while the number of babies named Hannibal varies annually, it's clear that this name has been a consistent choice for parents in the United States over time, with several periods of notable popularity throughout the past century.