Evangeline is a unique and beautiful name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "evangelos," which means "good news." The name Evangeline has been associated with the angel who announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition.
The first known use of the name Evangeline can be traced back to the 4th century, when it was used by a woman who is now venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. Saint Evangeline was a virgin martyr who refused to renounce her faith during a period of persecution and was executed for her beliefs.
In literature, Evangeline has been immortalized by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his epic narrative poem "Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie." The poem tells the story of a young woman named Evangeline who is separated from her beloved Gabriel when their Acadian village is razed by British soldiers. Evangeline spends the rest of her life searching for Gabriel, and the poem explores themes of love, loss, and exile.
Evangeline has also been used as a given name in various cultures throughout history. In France, it was a popular name in the Middle Ages, and it is still used today. In English-speaking countries, Evangeline gained popularity during the Victorian era, likely due to Longfellow's poem.
Overall, Evangeline is a powerful and evocative name with deep roots in both religious tradition and literary history. Its meaning of "good news" makes it a fitting choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Evangeline has had a steady but limited presence in the United States over the past century, with a total of 37 babies given this unique name since 1928. The most popular years for the name were in the mid-20th century, with a peak of 8 births in 1961. However, the name has not been particularly common, with no more than 8 babies named Evangeline in any given year during this period.