Agatha is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "agnus," which means "lamb." The name was originally used as an epithet for the Virgin Mary, who was often referred to as the "Lamb of God." Over time, Agatha became a popular name in its own right and is now commonly given to girls.
The name Agatha has been associated with several historical figures. Saint Agatha of Sicily is one of the most well-known. She was a young woman from Catania, Sicily who was martyred during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Decius in the 3rd century AD. Her feast day is celebrated on February 5th.
Another notable figure named Agatha was Agatha Christie, the famous English writer known for her mystery novels featuring the detective Hercule Poirot. She was one of the best-selling novelists of all time and her works have been translated into at least 103 languages.
The name Agatha has also been popular in literature and pop culture. It is the name of the main character in "Agatha," a novel by American author Arthur Phillips, and it was used as the title for an episode of the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Overall, Agatha is a name with a rich history and several notable figures associated with it. Its Latin origin gives it a classic and elegant sound, making it a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive yet timeless name for their daughters.
"Agatha saw a significant rise in popularity from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, peaking at 217 births in 1917 and reaching a total of over 9000 births by 2023. However, its usage has fluctuated greatly since the mid-1900s, with numbers ranging from as high as 86 births in 2020 to as low as 15 births in 1994."