Deloris is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name "Valeria." This surname was originally used as a feminine praenomen, meaning it was given directly to girls rather than being transferred from one generation to another through the male line.
The name Deloris means "strong" or "powerful," which is fitting considering its Latin origins. In ancient Rome, women named Valeria were thought to possess great strength and courage. The use of the name Deloris as a given name has been quite rare throughout history, but it has still managed to leave a mark on various cultures.
One notable figure with this name is Delores (also spelled Deloris) Johnson, who was an American social worker known for her work with the Black Panther Party during the 1960s. Her activism and dedication to improving the lives of African Americans have made her an iconic figure in history.
In popular culture, the name Deloris can also be found in Whoopi Goldberg's character from the 1992 film "Sister Act." Although Goldberg's character is named Sister Mary Clarence in the movie, she introduces herself as Deloris van Cartier when singing in the choir at the beginning of the film.
Overall, while not extremely common, the name Deloris has left its mark on history and popular culture through notable figures like Delores Johnson and Whoopi Goldberg's character. Its meaning of "strong" or "powerful" makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Deloris experienced significant popularity in the early to mid-20th century, with a peak of 935 births in 1937 and 935 births in 1938. However, it appears that its usage has declined considerably since then, with fewer than 30 births per year from 1946 onwards, and as low as 5 births in recent years like 2016 and 2022. Overall, there were a total of 34,683 births named Deloris between 1899 and 2022.