Venus is a female given name of Latin origin and meaning "love" or "charm". It is derived from the Roman goddess Venus, who was the counterpart to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. In Roman mythology, Venus was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
The name Venus has been used throughout history by various notable figures. One of the most famous Venuses was Venus de Milo, a famous marble statue created during the Hellenistic period around 100 BC. The statue is known for its exquisite beauty and has become a symbol of feminine charm and grace.
Another notable figure named Venus was the African American blues singer and guitarist, Bessie Smith, who was also known as the "Empress of the Blues". She was born in 1894 and became one of the most popular singers of her time. Her songs were often about love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life.
The name Venus has also been used by various celebrities throughout history. For example, singer Venus Williams is a renowned tennis player who won multiple Grand Slam titles and was ranked number one in singles on three separate occasions. She is also the older sister of fellow tennis star Serena Williams.
In popular culture, Venus has been featured prominently in various forms of media. One notable example is the character Venus de Fleur from the animated television series "Sailor Moon". In the show, Venus de Fleur is one of the Sailor Scouts and serves as the guardian of love and beauty.
Overall, Venus is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be popular today. Its Latin origin and meaning make it a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a name that embodies love and charm.
The name Venus has been given to a total of 9,738 babies in the United States over the past century and a half, with varying levels of popularity over time.
From 1887 to 1950, the number of births with the name Venus fluctuated between 5 and 46 per year. However, there was a significant increase in popularity starting in 1954, when the name was given to 61 newborns. This trend continued over the next decade, reaching its peak in 1959 with 295 births.
In subsequent years, the popularity of Venus as a baby name began to decline. Between 1970 and 1983, an average of around 180 babies were named Venus each year. However, this number decreased significantly in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with only about 40-50 births per year on average.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Venus has experienced a resurgence in recent years. From 2008 onwards, the number of babies named Venus has been consistently above 60 per year, with peaks of over 130 births in both 2020 and 2022.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Venus has waxed and waned over time, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking to give their child a unique name with an elegant sound.