Evangelina is a feminine given name of Greek origin and Latin roots. It comes from the Greek word "evangelion," which means "good news" or "gospel." The name Evangelina was likely coined by adding the diminutive suffix "-ina" to Evangelia, an older Greek feminine form of Evangelos.
The name Evangelina has a rich history and has been used throughout Europe for centuries. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Spain and other parts of Europe due to its religious significance. Many early Christians were known by this name because they were considered to be spreading the good news of Christianity.
Evangelina was also popular among royalty throughout history. A notable example is Evangelina of Hesse, who was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the wife of King Albert I of Belgium.
In literature and art, Evangelina has been used as a character name in several works. One famous example is in the opera "La Gioconda" by Amilcare Ponchielli, where Evangelina is one of the main characters.
Today, Evangelina remains a beautiful and unique name with a strong historical background. It is still used today, particularly in Spain and other Latin American countries, but it can be found worldwide as well. Its meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name with religious significance or simply those who appreciate its elegant sound.
"The name Evangelina experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1970s onwards, with over 100 births each year since 1978, reaching its peak in 2005 and 2006 with 148 and 163 births respectively. However, there were periods of fluctuation earlier in the century, with as few as 6 births per year between 1908 and 1913."