Beaulah is a unique and uncommon feminine given name of American origin. The name is derived from the English word "beauty," which means "beautiful" or "attractive." It was likely coined as a variation of the names Beatitude, Beauté, or Beata, which also mean beautiful.
The earliest known record of the name Beaulah appears in the early 19th century. However, it did not become popular until the late Victorian era when many parents were looking for distinctive and elegant names for their daughters. Despite its origin, Beaulah has never been particularly common, making it a unique choice even today.
There is no specific patron saint or historical figure associated with the name Beaulah. However, it has been used in literature and popular culture on occasion. For example, Beaulah was the name of a character in the 1932 novel "Beaulah Land" by Zona Gale, which went on to inspire several adaptations for film and television.
In terms of popularity, Beaulah has never ranked among the most common names in any country. According to the Social Security Administration data, it has not even made the top 1000 names given to girls born in the United States since records began in 1879. This rarity makes Beaulah a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In conclusion, Beaulah is a unique and elegant feminine given name of American origin that means "beautiful." While it has never been particularly common, it has a rich history and is associated with beauty and attractiveness.
The name Beaulah experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the given period, with a total of 2273 births recorded from 1882 to 1973. The highest number of births occurred in 1915 and 1916, with 66 and 70 births respectively, coinciding with World War I. However, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly after the mid-1940s, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded from 1946 onwards. By 1973, there were only five births registered for the name Beaulah.