Jacqueline is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the masculine French name Jacques, which is itself a derivative of the Latin name Jacobus. The name Jacqueline means "God is gracious" or "may God protect". It has been in use since the Middle Ages and was popular among French nobility during that time.
The name Jacqueline gained significant popularity outside of France after World War II, when Jackie Kennedy (born Jacqueline Bouvier) became First Lady of the United States. This increased its visibility on a global scale and contributed to its widespread adoption as a given name for girls.
Some notable figures who have borne the name Jacqueline include French fashion designer and businesswoman Jacqueline de Ribes, French-American actress Jacqueline Sassard, American jazz singer and pianist Jacqueline Hairston, Belgian painter Jacqueline du Pré, and French philosopher and feminist Simone de Beauvoir's mother, Jacqueline de Beauvoir.
The given statistics illustrate the frequency of the name Jacqueline among newborns in the United States between 1926 and 1993. The name's popularity fluctuated over these years, with a total of 134 babies named Jacqueline during this period.
The name Jacqueline experienced its peak popularity during the early to mid-1960s, with 10 births in 1964 being the highest recorded figure within the given timeframe. This indicates that the name was quite popular among parents during this era.
However, the name's popularity appeared to wane after the 1960s, with fewer than 8 births per year from 1965 onwards, except for a brief spike in 1981 and 1985 where there were 8 births each year. This suggests that while Jacqueline was still chosen as a baby girl's name, it became less common compared to its peak popularity decades earlier.
It is interesting to note that the name Jacqueline maintained some level of consistency throughout these years, with an average of approximately 6 babies named Jacqueline per year over the course of the given period. This indicates that while the name may not have been a top choice among parents during these years, it was nonetheless popular enough to remain in steady circulation.
In conclusion, the statistics demonstrate that the name Jacqueline experienced varying levels of popularity among American parents between 1926 and 1993. While it peaked in the mid-1960s, its overall consistency throughout the given period suggests that Jacqueline has remained a timeless and beloved choice for baby girls across several generations.