The name Dominique is of Latin origin and means "of the Lord" or "belonging to the Lord". It comes from the Latin word 'Dominus', which refers to the Lord, God, or master. The name was originally used as a title for religious figures and has been associated with Christian faith since early times.
The name Dominique first became popular in France during the Middle Ages, where it was often given to children who were born on Sunday (dominica in Latin) due to its connection with the Lord's Day. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Dominique started to gain widespread usage as a given name throughout Europe and beyond.
One of the most notable figures associated with the name Dominique is Saint Dominic de Guzman (also known as Dominic of Osma), who founded the Dominican Order in the 13th century. This order played an important role during the medieval period, particularly in spreading Christianity and promoting education.
Throughout history, many individuals have borne the name Dominique, including artists, writers, scientists, and political figures. Some notable examples include French poet Charles Dominique Ferrand (also known as Dominique A), Canadian astronaut Dominic Pile, and American politician Thomas Dominique "Tom" Carper.
Today, Dominique remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a name with strong historical roots and religious significance. Despite its long history and deep meanings, the name Dominique has not lost its appeal over time and continues to be given to newborns around the world.
Here is a statistical overview of the name Dominique in the United States from 1949 to present day.
From 1949 to 1979, the number of babies named Dominique showed an increasing trend. The highest point during this period was reached in 1979 with 327 births, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. However, it's important to note that these numbers were relatively low at the beginning, starting from just 5 births in 1949.
The decade of the 80s saw a remarkable surge in popularity for the name Dominique. The number of babies named Dominique jumped from 283 in 1976 to a peak of 3299 births in 1985, reflecting an over tenfold increase during this period alone.
This trend continued into the early 90s with 2406 births in 1991 and 2885 births in 1992. However, from mid-90s onwards, there was a gradual decline in popularity of the name Dominique, with fewer babies being named Dominique each year.
By the end of 2023, the total number of babies named Dominique in the United States reached approximately 60 births. This indicates that while the name Dominique was once quite popular, its usage has significantly decreased over time and continues to decline even further now.