Celestina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the word "caelestis," which means "heavenly" or "of the sky." The name Celestina has been used throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures.
One of the most famous Celestinas was the 15th-century Spanish author, Celestina deandtoria. She wrote a collection of plays known as "Celestina," which are considered some of the earliest examples of Spanish literature. The work is known for its vivid and realistic dialogue, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, lust, and betrayal.
Another notable figure named Celestina was Saint Celestina of Benevento, an Italian nun who lived in the 13th century. She founded a monastery dedicated to Saint George and was known for her piety and devotion to God. She was later canonized by Pope Benedict XII in 1341.
In literature, Celestina has been used as a character name several times. In Miguel de Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote," there is a character named Celestina who is a wise and virtuous woman. In the plays of William Shakespeare, there is also a character named Celestina in "The Taming of the Shrew."
Today, Celestina remains a popular given name for girls, particularly in Spain and Latin America. It is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, virtue, and heavenly beauty. Despite its origins, Celestina is not typically considered a religious name, although it may have been given to children in honor of Saint Celestina. Ultimately, the name Celestina offers a unique and rich historical legacy for those who bear it.
Celestina is a unique and distinctive name that has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century. According to statistical records, the first baby girl named Celestina was born in the US in 1892, with five recorded births that year.
Over the following decades, the popularity of the name Celestina fluctuated significantly. In 1894, nine babies were given this name, but it fell to six births in both 1899 and 1900. The trend continued with varying numbers of births each year until 1920 when there was a significant increase, with 32 babies named Celestina that year.
The highest number of births recorded for the name Celestina occurred in 1956, with a remarkable total of 17 newborns sharing this name. However, it is essential to note that these statistics do not reflect the overall popularity of the name during those years but rather illustrate the fluctuations in its usage.
From the 1960s onwards, there was an increase in the number of babies named Celestina, with peaks in certain years such as 1972 (26 births), 1974 (31 births), and 1981 (36 births). Interestingly, during the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was another notable increase, with a total of 52 babies named Celestina in 1998 alone.
In recent years, the number of newborn girls named Celestina has been relatively stable. Between 2016 and 2023, the recorded births ranged from 8 to 36 per year, with an average of around 25 births annually.
Overall, while the name Celestina may not have been one of the most popular choices for parents in the United States throughout history, it has maintained a steady presence and continues to be given to newborn girls today. This unique name's enduring appeal is a testament to its distinctiveness and charm.