Virginia is a feminine given name of Latin origin that means "pure" or "chaste". It was derived from the Roman family name Virgo, which was itself derived from the Latin word virgo meaning "maiden" or "virgin".
The name Virginia has been popular throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous Virginias is Virginia Woolf, an influential British writer and feminist known for her innovative novels such as Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse.
Virginia was also a popular name in early America, with many early settlers naming their daughters after this name. The state of Virginia was named after England's Queen Elizabeth I, who was often referred to as "the virgin queen" due to her unmarried status.
Today, Virginia remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet elegant name for their daughter. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names in the United States since the early 20th century.
The name Virginia has been popular among parents in the United States since the late 19th century. Between 1895 and 1991, there were a total of 2,009 babies named Virginia born in the US.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the popularity of the name Virginia has fluctuated over time. In the early years recorded (1895-1913), the number of births was relatively low and stable, ranging from 5 to 19 per year. However, beginning in 1914, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Virginia.
The peak period for the name Virginia was between 1924 and 1930, during which time more than 50 babies were named Virginia each year. The highest number of births recorded was in 1927, with 74 newborn girls named Virginia.
After this peak period, the popularity of the name began to decline. Between 1931 and 1962, there were fewer than 50 babies named Virginia born each year. However, there was another brief increase in popularity between 1964 and 1972, with more than 50 births recorded per year during this period.
Since the early 1980s, the name Virginia has become much less common in the US. Between 1980 and 1991, there were fewer than 10 babies named Virginia born each year. The lowest number of births recorded was in 1962, with only 6 newborn girls named Virginia.
Overall, while the name Virginia has had periods of popularity throughout its history in the US, it is clear that it is no longer one of the most popular names for newborn girls today.