Veronica is a feminine given name of Latin origin. Its roots can be traced back to the male name Vernon, which means "from the alder tree settlement" or "true" in Old French. The female form of this name, Veronica, has gained significant popularity over time and is often associated with religious figures.
The name Veronica is derived from the Latin word "veronicam," which is an adjective used to describe something related to Vera, a female name meaning "faith." Thus, Veronica can be interpreted as "bearer of victory" or "true image."
One of the most famous stories connected to this name is that of St. Veronica, who was believed to have wiped the sweat from Jesus Christ's brow with her veil during his walk to Calvary. According to legend, the cloth bore an imprint of Jesus' face afterward, which is known as the Veronica Veil or the Holy Face of Jesus.
Throughout history, several figures have borne this name and contributed to its popularity:
1. Saint Veronica: As mentioned earlier, St. Veronica was a pious woman who offered comfort to Jesus during his crucifixion. She is believed to have performed many miracles after her death.
2. Veronica Franco (1546-1591): An Italian Renaissance poet and courtesan, Veronica Franco was known for her intellectual prowess and literary accomplishments. She corresponded with some of the most prominent figures of her time, including King Henry III of France.
3. Veronica Lake (1922-1973): An American actress famous for her distinctive peek-a-boo hairstyle, Veronica Lake appeared in several films during Hollywood's Golden Age. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1946.
The name Veronica has been used consistently throughout the centuries and continues to be popular today among parents looking for unique yet classic names for their daughters. Its religious significance, historical figures, and appealing sound contribute to its enduring popularity.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Veronica has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1916 to 1957, the number of babies named Veronica remained relatively low, with an average of around 5 births per year. However, starting from 1959, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name, with more than 8 births recorded that year.
The peak years for the name Veronica were between 1970 and 1985, with a high of 44 births in 1985. This period also saw consistent growth in the number of babies named Veronica, indicating that it was a popular choice among parents during this time.
However, after reaching its peak popularity, the name Veronica began to decline again. From 1986 onwards, the number of babies named Veronica decreased significantly, with some years seeing as few as 5 births.
In total, there were 834 babies named Veronica in the United States from 1916 to 2007, based on the provided statistics. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, Veronica has remained a recognizable and classic name choice for parents throughout the years.