Arizona is an unusual and captivating female given name that has gained popularity in recent years. Its origins can be traced back to the American Southwest, specifically to the U.S. state of Arizona itself.
The name Arizona was officially adopted for the state on February 28, 1911, when it entered the Union as the 48th state. It is derived from the Spanish phrase "Arizonac" meaning "small spring". This phrase comes from the O'odham (Piman) words "ali ṣonak", which means "place of the young (or small) spring".
Prior to its use as a state name, Arizona was used as an English translation for the Papago Indian reservation in southern Arizona. The Papago tribe is now known as the Tohono O'odham Nation.
The choice of the name Arizona for the state can be attributed to Mrs. Clifford Moulton, who suggested it during a meeting of the Arizona State Constitutional Convention. She proposed that the name should come from the area's rich Hispanic history and the beautiful natural springs found throughout the region.
Today, Arizona is not only recognized as a state name but also as an attractive female given name that carries with it a sense of history, beauty, and uniqueness. Its meaning, "place of the small spring", adds a touch of elegance and grace to this distinctive moniker. Parents who choose the name Arizona for their daughters often appreciate its connection to nature, history, and culture, as well as its distinctiveness compared to more common names.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the trend of the number of babies named Arizona in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
The name Arizona first appeared in the U.S. records in 1880 with 8 births that year. The number of births fluctuated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ranging from a low of 5 births in certain years (1943, 1950) to a high of 27 births in 1903.
From the mid-20th century onwards, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Arizona. In 1994, there were 28 births, which more than quadrupled by 2000 with 46 births that year. The name's popularity continued to rise throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
In recent years, the name Arizona has gained significant traction, becoming one of the most popular girls' names in the United States. In 2014, there were 100 births, followed by 117 births in 2016, marking a substantial increase compared to previous decades. This trend continued through 2023, with 123 recorded births.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there were 3343 babies named Arizona born in the United States, demonstrating that while it started as an uncommon name, Arizona has since become a popular choice for parents.