Tiffany is a charming and distinctive female name of Greek origin. It means "Manifestation of God" or "God Appears." The name was derived from the Greek word "Theophania," which consists of two elements: "theos" meaning god, and "phainein" meaning to appear.
The history of the name Tiffany is believed to have begun with its use as a Christian name. In medieval times, it was given to girls born around the Epiphany season, also known as Three Kings Day or Twelfth Night, which celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. As such, Tiffany was originally associated with the idea of divine revelation.
Over time, the name Tiffany became more widespread and independent of its religious origins. It started to be used simply as a beautiful and unique given name for girls, regardless of their birth dates or family's religious affiliations. Today, Tiffany is recognized as a popular name worldwide, often favored by parents who appreciate its elegant sound and distinctive character.
In literature and pop culture, the name Tiffany has been featured in several notable works. For instance, Truman Capote's novella "Breakfast at Tiffany's" introduced Holly Golightly, a fascinating and enigmatic character named after the New York City jewelry store Tiffany & Co., which was founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1837.
Despite its association with the famous jewelry store and the captivating protagonist from Capote's novella, the name Tiffany remains first and foremost a beautiful and meaningful given name. Its Greek origins and inspiring meaning make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet timeless name for their daughters.
The name Tiffany has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the years in the United States. It first started gaining traction in the late 1960s, with seven births recorded in 1967 and nine in 1969. However, it was during the early 1980s that Tiffany reached its peak popularity. In 1980, there were 63 babies named Tiffany, followed by a record high of 114 births in 1989.
After this peak, the name's popularity began to decline steadily. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, it had decreased significantly, with only seven births recorded in 1996 and five in 2000. However, there was a brief resurgence in 2004 with 17 births recorded that year.
Overall, the total number of Tiffany births in the United States from 1962 to 2004 stands at 1191. This data demonstrates how popular trends can change over time and highlights the fluctuation in popularity for the name Tiffany.