Sabine is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from theLatin word "Sabinus," which means "of Sabine." The Sabines were an ancient Italic tribe who lived in central Italy, and their name is believed to have meant "people from Savium" or "from the rugged mountains."
The name Sabine was popular among the Romans, particularly during the Roman Empire. It was often used as a family name and could also be found as a given name. One of the most famous Sabines in history was the Vestal Virgin Sabine Quinta, who lived during the reign of Augustus Caesar.
In literature, the name Sabine has been used by several notable authors. For example, it is the name of one of the main characters in George Sand's novel "Indiana," and it appears as a secondary character in Charles Dickens' "Bleak House."
Despite its rich history and literary associations, the name Sabine remains relatively uncommon today. It is most commonly found in France, Italy, and other European countries with a strong Roman influence. However, its meaning of "of Sabine" or "from the rugged mountains" makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
Over the span of a century from 1916 to 2023, the name Sabine has seen varied popularity with annual birth counts ranging from as low as 5 to as high as 108. The peak years for this name were between 1997 and 2007, with a notable spike in 1997 having 66 births. However, since 2007, the popularity has declined, with fewer than 100 births per year on average from 2008 onwards. The total number of babies named Sabine over this period is 3189.