The name Fontaine is of French origin and means "fountain." It is derived from the Old French word "fontaine," which referred to a natural spring or artificial water source. The name has been used for both given names and surnames throughout history.
Fontaine as a given name gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages, often bestowed upon children born near or named after fountains or other bodies of water. The name was also popular among the nobility, with several historical figures bearing the name Fontaine, such as Marie-Anne de Fontanges, a mistress of King Louis XIV.
In English-speaking countries, Fontaine is less commonly used as a given name but remains a popular surname. Some famous individuals with the surname Fontaine include French-American actress Mimi Rogers and Canadian football player Étienne Moreau-Fontaine.
Overall, the name Fontaine carries a sense of elegance and refinement, evocative of its origins in French nobility and natural beauty. Whether used as a given name or surname, Fontaine is a distinctive choice that pays homage to its rich history and meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Fontaine has seen varying levels of popularity over time in the United States.
The earliest year recorded for this name is 1922, with a total of 7 births that year. The number of babies named Fontaine fluctuated over the next few decades, ranging from 5 to 9 births per year between 1940 and 1963.
There was a slight dip in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with only 5 births each year from 1966 to 1972. However, the name began to regain traction in the 1980s, with consistent births of around 5 per year between 1982 and 1984.
Interest in the name Fontaine saw a resurgence in the early 1990s, with 8 babies being named Fontaine in 1992. Although the popularity decreased again thereafter, with only 5 births recorded in 1995, it's clear that the name has maintained some level of consistency throughout different eras.
Overall, since 1922 up until at least 1995, a total of 137 babies were named Fontaine in the United States. This statistic indicates that while the name may not have been incredibly popular during any specific year, it has nonetheless remained present and relevant within the naming landscape over time.