Dominique is a French name derived from the Latin word "dominicus," which means "of the Lord" or "belonging to the Lord." It is often associated with the Latin phrase "Domine, salvum fac regem" (Save our King, O Lord), as it was traditionally used in prayer for the safety of monarchs. The name has been popular throughout Europe since the Middle Ages and is still commonly used today.
The name Dominique gained popularity during the 13th century when Saint Dominic, a Spanish priest who founded the Dominican Order, became a revered figure in Christianity. Although not directly related to Saint Dominic, the name Dominique was adopted by some members of his order as a sign of devotion and to honor his legacy. Over time, the name spread beyond religious circles and gained widespread use throughout France.
In France, Dominique has been one of the most popular boys' names for centuries. According to French statistics, it ranked consistently within the top 50 names from 1900 to 2010. While its popularity has decreased slightly in recent years, it remains a well-established name with deep historical roots.
The name Dominique is typically used for males but can also be given to females as a unisex name. Its feminine form is Dominica or Dominique. Both forms of the name share the same meaning and origin.
In summary, Dominique is a French name derived from Latin origins that means "of the Lord." It gained popularity during the Middle Ages through its association with Saint Dominic and has remained a popular choice for boys' names in France ever since. While primarily used as a male name, Dominique can also be given to females, making it a unisex option for parents looking for a name with historical significance and timeless appeal.
The name Dominique has been given to a total of 139 babies in the United States between the years 1984 and 1999. The most popular year for the name was 1985, with 18 births. This was followed by a decline in popularity, reaching its lowest point in 1997 with only 5 births that year. However, the trend reversed after 1997, with an increase in popularity, reaching another peak of 10 births in both 1998 and 1999.
Overall, these statistics show that while Dominique was a popular name in the mid-1980s, it experienced a decline in popularity throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, there was a resurgence in its popularity towards the end of the decade. Despite fluctuations in popularity, Dominique has remained a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than 20 births per year in most years during this period.
It is important to note that these statistics only represent a small portion of the total number of births in the United States during this time period, and do not necessarily reflect national trends for the name Dominique. Additionally, changes in popularity can be influenced by many factors, such as cultural shifts, media influences, and personal preferences.