Octavie is a charming and elegant French given name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Latin word 'octava', which means 'eighth'. This name was traditionally given to girls born on the eighth day of the month, although today it is not restricted by this custom.
In its original form, Octavie was quite popular among the French nobility during the medieval period. It was often used alongside other names derived from numbers or days of the week, reflecting a practice that was common at the time. Over time, however, its usage became more scarce and it is now considered somewhat rare even in France.
The name Octavie has several interesting variations and derivatives. For instance, it can be shortened to 'Octa' or 'Ottavia', and it shares some phonetic similarities with the Italian name 'Giovanna'. Its masculine counterpart is 'Octave', which has been used by notable figures such as the French composer Maurice Ravel.
Despite its rarity today, Octavie retains a certain vintage charm that makes it appealing to those who appreciate unique and historic names. It is also noteworthy for being one of the few girl's names derived from numbers, adding an unusual touch to its etymology.
The name Octavie was quite popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a total of 176 babies named Octavie born between 1883 and 1926. The years with the highest number of Octavie births were 1893, 1895, 1902, 1914, and 1920, each having 8 or more births. However, there seems to be a decline in popularity towards the end of this period, with fewer than 6 Octavie births recorded annually from 1906 onwards.