Gloria is a Latin-derived feminine given name which means "glory". It has been used for centuries and was popularized during the Middle Ages in Europe. The name Gloria is believed to have originated from the word "gloria", which is the feminine form of the Latin word "gloriam" meaning glory or fame.
The name Gloria has a rich history and has been associated with various historical figures throughout the centuries. One notable figure is Saint Gloria, who was a martyr during the Roman Empire's early Christian persecution period. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
In literature, the name Gloria appears in several works, such as "Gloria" by Vladimir Nobokov, a novel that follows the life of a Russian immigrant woman named Gloria. Additionally, the character Gloria Beatty in Raymond Chandler's detective novel "The Big Sleep" has contributed to the name's popularity and recognition.
The name Gloria has also been used by several notable individuals throughout history. For example, Gloria Swanson was an American actress who gained fame during the silent film era, while Gloria Steinem is a prominent feminist activist and journalist known for her work on women's rights.
In terms of its usage over time, Gloria was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, peaking in popularity during the 1940s and 1950s. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Gloria has been given to over 80,000 baby girls since records began being kept in 1879.
Overall, the name Gloria carries a significant historical weight and has inspired various literary works and cultural references throughout the centuries. Its meaning of "glory" adds a touch of grandeur and elegance to this classic feminine name.
The name Gloria has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1921 and 1997, there were a total of 1,737 babies named Gloria born each year.
During this period, the name Gloria reached its peak popularity in 1945 with 48 births that year. However, it has seen several ups and downs since then. For example, from 1962 to 1967, there were only 14, 14, 22, 24, 15, and 10 babies named Gloria respectively.
Despite these fluctuations, the name Gloria remained reasonably popular throughout most of the 20th century. However, towards the end of this period, its popularity began to decline. Between 1991 and 1997, there were only 6, 6, 9, 7, 5, and 5 babies named Gloria each year respectively.
This data shows us that while the name Gloria may have been popular at certain points in history, its popularity has generally declined over time. However, it's important to note that even with this decline, there are still some years where Gloria was given to more than 10 babies born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it is still being chosen by parents for their children.