Clotilda is a unique and elegant name of Germanic origin. It is composed of two elements: "hild" which means "battle" or "struggle," and "clod" meaning "famous." Therefore, the name Clotilda can be interpreted as "famous in battle" or "renowned warrior."
The earliest recorded instance of the name Clotilda is found in the 6th century, when it was borne by a Frankish queen. Clotilda, who was born around 474 AD, played a significant role in the conversion of the Frankish king Clovis I to Christianity. Despite being raised pagan herself, she converted after marrying Clovis and convinced her husband to embrace Christianity as well.
Clotilda's influence extended beyond her own life. After her death, she was venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church for her piety and role in spreading the Christian faith. She is particularly revered in France, where her feast day is celebrated on June 3rd.
In literature, Clotilda has appeared as a character in several works, most notably in "The Song of Roland," an Old French epic poem. However, her role in this text is rather negative, as she betrays the hero Roland and his companions to the Muslim enemy.
Today, Clotilda remains a rare but striking name, often chosen for its unique sound and historical significance. It is more commonly used in France and other francophone countries than elsewhere in the world. Despite its strong Germanic origins, it has been adopted by various cultures throughout history, demonstrating its timeless appeal as a name.
Between 1888 and 1961, the name Clotilda was given to a total of 497 babies born in the United States each year. While the number of births varied significantly over time, there were some interesting trends observed.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the name's popularity seemed to fluctuate widely. For instance, between 1893 and 1900, the number of babies named Clotilda ranged from a low of five in 1895 to a high of ten in both 1893 and 1900.
However, starting around 1915, there was an increase in popularity for the name Clotilda. Between 1915 and 1927, the number of babies named Clotilda consistently remained above ten each year, peaking at 23 births in 1926. This period could be considered the height of popularity for the name Clotilda during this time frame.
After 1927, the popularity of the name Clotilda began to decline once again. From 1928 until 1961, with only a few exceptions, the number of babies named Clotilda each year remained below ten. This indicates that the name was not as commonly used during this later period.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, it's clear that the name Clotilda has been a part of American naming culture for nearly a century. The varying trends and numbers of births offer an interesting glimpse into the changing tastes and preferences of parents across generations.