Electra is a unique and captivating female given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "Elektron," which translates to amber or electron. In ancient Greek mythology, Electra was the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. She is known for her unwavering loyalty towards her father and her pursuit of justice after his murder by her mother's lover, Aegisthus.
Throughout history, Electra has been a popular choice among writers, artists, and philosophers as a name for strong-willed female characters who embody intelligence, courage, and resilience. For instance, in the tragedy "Electra" by Sophocles, Electra remains steadfast in her quest for vengeance against her father's killers despite facing adversity.
Today, Electra continues to be an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters that carries a rich historical legacy and powerful symbolism. While it may not be as widely used as some other names, those who choose Electra often appreciate its unique sound and meaningful origins.
The name Electra has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States, with fluctuations ranging from single digits to double digits.
From 1910 to 1965, there were typically fewer than 10 births per year. However, starting from 1967, we began to see an increase in popularity, with 16 births recorded that year. This trend continued through the late 1960s and into the early 1970s, with numbers reaching as high as 14 births in 1971.
The 1980s brought another surge in popularity for the name Electra, with a significant jump to 18 births in 1987. This decade also saw several years with double-digit births, including 12 births in 1980 and 14 births in 1984.
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked another peak for the name Electra's popularity. In 1997, there were 20 births, followed by an impressive 34 births in 2006. The years 1998 to 2005 saw consistent numbers ranging from 16 to 31 births per year.
Since 2007, the popularity of the name Electra has remained relatively stable, with fluctuations between single and double-digit births each year. As of 2023, there have been a total of 1123 births for the name Electra in the United States since records began.