Clotilde is a unique and captivating feminine given name of French origin. The name derives from the Germanic elements "hlud" meaning "famous" or "loud," and "wiga" meaning "war" or "battle." Thus, Clotilde translates to "famous in battle."
The history of the name Clotilde is intricately tied to that of Clothilde, a Frankish queen who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Gaul during the 6th century. Born into a noble family, Clothilde married King Clovis I around 510 AD. She was instrumental in converting her husband to Catholicism, and upon his death in 511, she established monasteries and promoted Christian values throughout their kingdom.
The name Clotilde gained prominence during the Middle Ages as it was passed down through generations of noble families in France. It was also popularized by several notable historical figures, such as Clothilde of France (1293-1348), daughter of King Philip III of France, who became queen consort of Naples.
In literature and art, Clotilde has been featured prominently in various works throughout history. One of the most famous examples is the 17th-century French play "Clotilde," written by Pierre Corneille, which tells the story of a young woman torn between her love for a nobleman and her duty to marry someone more suitable according to societal norms.
Today, Clotilde remains a distinctive and elegant choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its unique origins and rich historical legacy make it an attractive option for those looking to honor the past while embracing modernity.
The name Clotile has been a rare but consistent choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with at least one baby girl being named Clotile each year from 1900 to 1928, and again in 1930. The peak years for this name were 1914 and 1919, with eight and nine babies named Clotile respectively during those years. Despite these fluctuations, the total number of births with the name Clotile over this period is 105, demonstrating that while it may not have been a popular choice, it was certainly a memorable one for many families throughout the first few decades of the twentieth century in America.