Lavonia is a unique and captivating feminine given name that is of African origin. It is derived from the West African name Lavinia, which means "clear, bright, or shining." This name has a rich history, with its earliest recorded use dating back to ancient Roman times.
In Roman mythology, Lavinia was the daughter of Latinus, the king of the Latins, and the wife of Aeneas, a Trojan hero. She is often depicted as a virtuous and noble woman, known for her intelligence and beauty. Throughout history, this name has been associated with royalty and nobility.
The name Lavonia gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among the aristocracy. It was also used as a given name in several African countries, where it has continued to be popular throughout the centuries.
Today, Lavonia is still a relatively rare name, but its uniqueness makes it stand out and catch attention. Its African origins give it an exotic touch, while its Roman heritage imbues it with a sense of history and tradition. Overall, Lavonia is a strong and distinctive feminine given name that is sure to make an impression wherever it is heard.
The name Lavonia has seen a varied trend in its usage as a baby girl's name in the United States over the past century and a half, with peaks and valleys in its popularity.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births recorded per year from 1880 to 1910. However, starting around 1915, there was a noticeable increase in the number of girls named Lavonia. Between 1915 and 1923, more than 20 babies were named Lavonia each year, with a high of 37 births recorded in 1923.
This trend continued into the 1930s, with over 20 Lavonias born annually until 1934. However, after that point, the name's popularity began to decline once again. From 1935 to 1967, fewer than 20 girls were named Lavonia each year.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a slight resurgence in the name's usage, with over 20 Lavonias born annually between 1968 and 1973. However, this trend was short-lived, as the number of births fell back below 20 per year after 1974.
In more recent decades, Lavonia has been quite uncommon as a baby girl's name in the United States. Between 1980 and 1994, fewer than 10 girls were named Lavonia each year, with some years seeing only a single birth or none at all.
Overall, while Lavonia was once a moderately popular name for baby girls in the United States, its usage has declined significantly over time. Between 1880 and 1994, a total of 1901 babies were named Lavonia in the United States.