Hipólito is a unique and historical male given name of Greek origin. It means "freed" or "set free," derived from the Greek word "hupoleipo," which consists of the prefix "hupo-" meaning "under" and "leipo" meaning "leave, remain." Thus, Hipólito signifies one who has been released or is free from something.
The name Hipólito has a significant presence in history and literature. In classical mythology, Hipólitos was a legendary figure, the son of Theseus and Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. He was known for his extreme chastity and piety, which earned him the favor of Artemis, the goddess of hunting. According to some versions of the myth, Hipólitos was killed by his stepmother Medea after she framed him for attempted rape.
In Spanish literature, Hipólito is associated with "El Perpetuo Hipólito," a play written by the renowned Spanish dramatist Pedro Calderón de la Barca in the 17th century. The character Hipólito in this work embodies virtue and moral fortitude, resisting the temptations of love and pleasure.
The name Hipólito was also popular among Spanish royalty during the Middle Ages. A notable figure bearing this name is Infante Don Pedro Hipólito de España (1862-1934), a member of the Spanish royal family who held various military positions throughout his life.
While Hipólito may not be as commonly used today, it remains an intriguing and meaningful name with deep roots in history and culture. Parents who choose this name for their child might appreciate its unique sound and profound significance.
The name Hipolito has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 1911 births recorded since 1904.
In the early 20th century, the name had its first peak between 1923 and 1928, with the highest number of births occurring in 1928 (22 births). However, it then declined significantly until a resurgence in popularity during the late 1940s to early 1950s, reaching its second peak in 1952 with 29 births.
The name continued to have moderate popularity throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1974 (37 births). It then began a steady decline through the 1980s and 1990s, reaching its lowest point in recent years in 2015 with only 6 births.
Despite this decline in popularity, Hipolito has maintained some level of presence in the United States, with an average of around 7-8 births per year from 2014 to present. This shows that while it may not be as popular as it once was, the name Hipolito continues to be chosen for newborns in the U.S.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the fluctuating popularity of the name Hipolito over time, with periods of high and low usage. However, they also indicate that the name has maintained some level of relevance in the United States throughout its history.