Dagmar is a female given name of Old Norse origin. It is composed of the elements 'dag', which means "day", and 'marr', meaning "famous" or "glorious". Therefore, Dagmar can be translated as "famous in daylight" or "brilliant day".
The name Dagmar has its roots in Scandinavia, where it was popular during the Middle Ages. It is believed to have been brought to Europe by the Vikings who invaded and settled in various regions of the continent.
One of the most famous bearers of this name is Dagmar of Bohemia (1890-1971), also known as Princess Daisy of Wales after she married King Edward VIII. She was born into royalty, being a daughter of the King of Bohemia and Empress Zita of Austria-Hungary. Despite her noble background, she chose to marry a commoner, Prince George VI, and became his devoted wife until his death in 1952.
Today, Dagmar remains a relatively uncommon but nonetheless charming name for girls, especially among families with Scandinavian heritage or those who appreciate unique, historic names. Its meaning "famous in daylight" could be seen as an inspiration for individuals who wish to shine brightly and make their mark on the world like Princess Daisy of Wales did throughout her life.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Dagmar in the United States:
From 1883 to 2019, there were a total of 1592 babies named Dagmar born in the U.S., making it a relatively rare and unique name.
The name's popularity has fluctuated over time. It peaked during the early 1900s, with 45 births recorded in 1915 alone. However, it saw a steady decline in usage throughout most of the mid-20th century, with fewer than ten Dagmars born annually between the 1930s and 1960s.
There was a slight resurgence in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with around seven to ten babies named Dagmar born each year. However, since then, the name's usage has again declined, with five or fewer births recorded annually between 2007 and 2019.
Despite its waning popularity, Dagmar remains a name rich in history and uniqueness. It is a timeless choice for parents looking to give their child an uncommon yet elegant moniker.