Eugenia is a unique and elegant female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "eugenes," which means "well-born" or "of noble birth." This name has been associated with nobility, intelligence, and sophistication throughout history.
The name Eugenia has been popular among European royalty for centuries. One notable bearer of this name was Empress Maria Theresia of Austria (1717-1780), who named her daughter Princess Maria Josepha Eugenia. Another famous Eugenia was the French princess Eugénie de Montijo, who married Emperor Napoleon III in 1853.
Eugenia has also been adopted by other cultures outside of Europe. In Russia, for example, it is a popular name among Orthodox Christians and has been given to many notable figures throughout history, including Eugenia Maximovna Ševrygina, a famous Russian actress born in the late 19th century.
The name Eugenia was also immortalized in literature by the Brazilian author Machado de Assis in his novel "Quincas Borba," published in 1891. In this book, the protagonist's mother is named Eugenia, which further contributed to the popularity of this beautiful and historic name.
Overall, Eugenia is a regal and timeless name with a rich history and a meaning that embodies nobility and refinement. It is a perfect choice for parents looking for an elegant and distinctive name for their daughter.
The name Eugenia has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected in the annual birth statistics provided.
In the late 19th century, the number of births with the name Eugenia remained relatively low but steady, ranging from 40 to 99 births per year between 1880 and 1899. However, the early 20th century marked a significant increase in its popularity, with over 500 births each year between 1910 and 1923.
The peak of Eugenia's popularity occurred during the years 1914 to 1916, with a total of 506, 536, and 494 births respectively. This period corresponds to the end of World War I, which may have influenced parents' choices in naming their children.
After this peak, Eugenia's popularity began to decline gradually but consistently. From 1924 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Eugenia fell below 500 each year, and by the 1930s, it had dropped significantly, with fewer than 350 births per year.
The mid-20th century saw a further decline in the popularity of the name Eugenia. Between 1947 and 1965, there were consistently between 200 to 400 births each year. However, during this period, there was a slight uptick in popularity between 1958 and 1963, with over 300 births per year.
In recent decades, Eugenia has become quite rare as a given name in the United States. Between 1972 and 2023, there were fewer than 100 births each year with the name Eugenia, with the exception of a few years where it reached just over 100 births.
Overall, while Eugenia has seen several peaks and valleys in popularity throughout history, its use as a given name in the United States has significantly declined since the mid-20th century. Despite this decline, it remains a unique and timeless choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet memorable name for their daughter.