Constance is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "constans", which means "constant" or "steadfast". The name has been used throughout history and has been popular in several countries.
The name Constance first appeared in the early Middle Ages, where it was used as a female form of the male name Constantius. It gained popularity during the Crusades when many knights were named after the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX, who ruled from 1042 to 1055.
Constance was also popular among royalty throughout history. One notable example is Constance of Aragon (1246-1302), who married King Peter III of Aragon and played a significant role in the War of the Sicilian Vespers.
In literature, the name Constance has been used in several works, including Shakespeare's "King John" and Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre". The name was also popularized by French writer Honoré de Balzac's novel "Père Goriot", where it is the name of one of the main characters.
Throughout history, the name Constance has been associated with strength, steadfastness, and resilience. It has been used to represent women who are constant in their beliefs and unwavering in their commitments. Today, the name remains popular in several countries around the world and continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a strong and meaningful name for their daughters.
In conclusion, Constance is a Latin-derived given name with a rich history and significant meaning. Its popularity throughout history has made it a timeless choice for girls' names, with a proven track record of strength and resilience.
The name Constance had a significant rise in popularity from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, with a marked increase starting around 1906 and peaking in 1921 with an impressive 1686 births. The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the mid-20th century but remained relatively stable until the late 1960s when it began to decline sharply, reaching a low point in the early 1970s with fewer than 500 births per year.
The trend continues into the modern era, with the name falling further out of favor. Between the years 2000 and 2023, the number of births named Constance averaged around 120-160 per year, a significant drop from its peak in the early 1900s. However, it is worth noting that these figures may not reflect the true popularity of the name, as parents have increasingly turned to unique and personalized names in recent years.
In total, between 1880 and 2023, there were 139,701 births named Constance in the United States. This indicates that while the name's popularity has waned over time, it remains a classic choice with a substantial historical footprint.