Jacqueline is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the masculine name Jacques, which is ultimately derived from the Latin name Jacobus. The name Jacobus is itself derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, which means "holder of the heel" or "supplanter."
The name Jacqueline has been popular in France for centuries, and it was borne by several notable figures in French history. One of the most famous Jacqueline was Jacqueline de Bavière (1478-1541), who was a duchess of Bavaria and later became the wife of René II, Duke of Lorraine. Another well-known Jacqueline was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994), an American socialite and former First Lady of the United States.
The name Jacqueline has also been popular in other French-speaking countries, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In English-speaking countries, it gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly after the marriage of Jacqueline Kennedy to John F. Kennedy in 1953.
Overall, Jacqueline is a classic and elegant name with a rich history and a strong association with France. Its meaning adds to its appeal, as it suggests strength and determination. Despite its French origins, Jacqueline has been embraced by many cultures around the world and continues to be popular today.
The name Jacqueline has seen a fascinating journey of popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, its usage was quite limited, with only six births recorded in 1915 and five births each in 1918 and 1919.
However, starting from 1923, we observe a significant increase in the number of newborn girls named Jacqueline. This year marked the beginning of a decade of growth, peaking at 100 births in 1948. The popularity of the name continued to rise until it reached its zenith in 1961 with an impressive 336 births.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a steady decline in the usage of the name Jacqueline, with the number of births dropping from 290 in 1965 to just 41 in 1993. This downward trend continued until it reached its lowest point in recent times with only five births recorded in 2018.
Throughout the entire period from 1915 to 2018, a total of 8,030 girls were named Jacqueline at birth in the United States. These statistics demonstrate how fashion and trends in naming have evolved over time, with Jacqueline experiencing periods of significant popularity followed by decline.