Guadalupe is a female given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "Guadalupe," which means "River of the Wolf" or "Wolf River." The name Guadalupe has a rich history and cultural significance in Spain and Latin America.
The name Guadalupe is associated with the Virgin Mary, who is known as Our Lady of Guadalupe. According to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a native Mexican peasant named Juan Diego on December 9, 1531, on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. She asked him to request that the local bishop build a church in her honor at that location. When Juan Diego returned to the bishop with his request, he was initially met with skepticism and was told to return with some proof of his encounter with the Virgin Mary. On his second visit to the bishop, Juan Diego opened his cloak to reveal the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe imprinted on it, convincing the bishop that his encounter was genuine.
The name Guadalupe became popular in Mexico after this miraculous event and has since been widely used throughout Latin America and Spain. It is considered a patronymic name, meaning that it is derived from the name of a person's father or ancestor. In some cases, it may also be used as a surname.
Today, Guadalupe remains a beloved and popular name in Spanish-speaking communities around the world. It is often associated with faith, devotion, and miraculous events, reflecting its deep-rooted historical significance. Despite its religious connotations, however, the name Guadalupe can be chosen for its unique sound and cultural heritage, regardless of one's personal beliefs or affiliations.
In summary, Guadalupe is a female given name of Spanish origin that means "River of the Wolf" or "Wolf River." It is associated with Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico City in 1531. The name has since become popular throughout Latin America and Spain, reflecting its historical significance and cultural heritage.
The name Guadalupe has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the years, with a significant increase in its usage during the early to mid-20th century. Between 1881 and 2023, there have been a total of 25,023 births registered with the name Guadalupe in the U.S.
During the late 19th century, the number of babies named Guadalupe remained relatively low, with an average of around 7 births per year between 1884 and 1899. However, the early 20th century saw a steady increase in its popularity, reaching a peak in 1922 with 222 births.
The name Guadalupe continued to be quite popular throughout the mid-20th century, with over 300 births registered each year from 1943 to 1965. It reached another peak in 1974 with 312 births. However, its popularity began to decline in the late 1970s and continued to do so throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In recent years, the name Guadalupe has seen a further decrease in usage, with fewer than 50 births registered each year since 2016. Despite this decline, it remains a unique and culturally significant name that continues to be chosen by parents across the United States.