Latona is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "latere," which means "to hide" or "to lie hidden." This name has been popular among various cultures throughout history, often used as a female name.
In Roman mythology, Latona is known for being the mother of the gods Apollo and Diana. According to the myth, Latona was persecuted by the goddess Juno, who sought to prevent her from giving birth. Latona wandered in search of a place to deliver her children until she finally found refuge on an island, where she gave birth to Apollo and Diana. This story has contributed to the association of the name Latona with themes of struggle, perseverance, and ultimate triumph.
The name Latona was also used by the ancient Greeks. In Greek mythology, Latona is known as Leto, another name for the mother of Apollo and Artemis (the Greek counterparts of the Roman Apollo and Diana). The myths surrounding Leto in Greek culture share many similarities with those involving Latona in Roman tradition.
In literature, Latona has been used as a character name in works by various authors. For example, it appears in James Joyce's novel "Finnegans Wake" and in the poem "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot. These appearances have further contributed to the recognition and popularity of this distinctive name.
Today, Latona continues to be chosen by parents as a unique and meaningful name for their daughters. Its Latin origins and rich historical context make it an attractive option for those looking for a name with a strong connection to ancient mythology and culture.
Between 1956 and 1991, the name Latona was given to a total of 345 babies born in the United States. The popularity of the name varied over the years, with some years seeing more than ten births and others only a few.
The most popular year for the name Latona was 1971, when it was given to 23 newborns. This is the peak of a brief period of increased popularity between 1969 and 1974, during which the number of babies named Latona rose from 16 in 1969 to a high of 23 in 1971 before falling back down again.
There were several other years with double-digit births for the name Latona. In addition to 1971, these include 1970 (15 births), 1981 (18 births), and 1976 (18 births). On the other hand, there were also many years when only a small number of babies were named Latona. For example, between 1956 and 1968, the name was given to five or fewer newborns each year.
Overall, while Latona may not have been one of the most popular names during this time period, it did appear with some frequency throughout the years.