Macrina is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of Greek origin. Its root lies in the Greek word "makarios," which means "blessed" or "happy." Therefore, Macrina signifies "the blessed one."
The name first gained prominence through early Christian history. Saint Macrina the Elder was an important figure in the 4th century, known for her piety and wisdom. She was the mother of Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa, both prominent bishops and theologians in the Early Church.
In some variations of the name's etymology, it is suggested that Macrina may also be derived from "Macarius," a name associated with several early Christian saints. This connection further reinforces the spiritual connotations of the name.
Today, Macrina remains a rare but significant name choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful moniker for their daughter. Its association with strength, wisdom, and spirituality through its historical figures continues to resonate with many.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Macrina has seen a varied level of popularity over the past six decades in the United States.
The first recorded birth with the name Macrina in the U.S. was in 1959, with five babies sharing this unique moniker that year. This number remained relatively steady for the next few years, with eight births in 1963 and five births each in 1974 and 1978.
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a slight increase in popularity for Macrina, with nine births in 1979 and six births in both 1982 and 1985. This trend continued into the mid-1980s and early 1990s, with five births annually between 1986 and 1991, followed by an increase to ten births in 1990.
The turn of the century brought about a renewed interest in the name Macrina, with eight births both in 1999 and 2000. This was followed by another decline in popularity, with six births each in 2003 and 2011.
Interestingly, Macrina has seen several peaks in recent years, with seven births recorded in 2014 and eleven births in 2023 – the highest number on record since 1979. This suggests that while the name may not be one of the most popular choices for parents today, it continues to hold a unique appeal.
In total, over the past six decades, there have been 165 recorded births with the name Macrina in the United States. While this number may seem relatively low compared to more popular names, it is clear that Macrina has maintained a consistent presence among American baby names throughout this time period.