Dominique is a French masculine given name derived from the Latin word "domimus," which means "lord" or "master." It is also associated with the feminine form of the name, Dominica, which shares the same origin and meaning.
The name Dominique has been used throughout history to honor various saints and historical figures. One of the most notable is Saint Dominic de Guzman, who was born in the 12th century in Spain and founded the Dominican Order, a mendicant Catholic order. The name Dominque is often associated with this saint and his legacy.
In terms of popularity, Dominique has been a relatively common name in France for centuries, but it has also gained traction in other French-speaking countries and beyond. In English-speaking countries like the United States, Dominique has typically been more popular among women than men, although its usage among both genders has varied over time.
The name Dominique is often associated with several variants and derivatives, such as Dominick, Dominic, Dominico, and Dominica. These variations share the same origin and meaning but may have slightly different connotations depending on the language and culture in which they are used.
Overall, Dominique is a name that carries historical significance, cultural relevance, and a clear etymological connection to its Latin roots. Whether as a masculine or feminine name, Dominique remains a distinctive choice with a rich heritage.
The name Dominique has seen a fascinating journey in popularity over the decades in the United States. Initially, it was quite rare with only 8 births recorded in 1968. However, it began to gain traction in the late 70s and early 80s, reaching a peak of 240 births in 1989.
This trend continued throughout the 80s and early 90s, with Dominique consistently being one of the more popular names for newborn girls. The name reached its zenith in popularity in 1991 and 1992, with 237 and 158 births respectively, indicating that this was a particularly favored name during this period.
However, as with many trends in naming, the popularity of Dominique began to decline after the mid-90s. By the year 2000, the number of births with this name had dropped to just 45, and it continued to decrease steadily over the following years. Despite this decline in popularity, Dominique remained a consistent choice for parents, with an average of around 15 births per year from 2008 to 2016.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Dominique, with 9 births recorded in 2020 and 6 births each in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This indicates that while it may not be as popular as it once was, Dominique remains a name of enduring appeal for parents in the United States.
In total, there have been 2410 recorded births with the name Dominique in the United States since 1968, demonstrating its enduring popularity over several decades.