Romola is an Italian feminine given name of uncertain etymology. It is believed to have originated as a variant of Romualda, which itself derives from the Latin male name Romulus. Romulus was the legendary founder of Rome, and his twin brother Remus, whose name also gave rise to variants like Romola.
The name Romola gained significant popularity in English literature through George Eliot's novel "Romola," published in 1863. The story is set in Florence during the Renaissance and follows the protagonist Romola, a strong-willed woman who defies societal norms. This literary work contributed to the name's recognition and usage in English-speaking countries.
In Italian, the name Romola has been traditionally used within families that have Roman origins or ties to the city of Rome. However, its popularity has varied over time, with some sources indicating it was more common during the mid-20th century while others suggest it is less frequently used today.
Overall, Romola is a distinctive and historic name with roots in Italian culture and literature. Its meaning, though uncertain, is often associated with the legendary founder of Rome, adding to its rich cultural heritage.
Romola had its peak popularity during the late 1920s with 10 births recorded in 1927, followed by 7 births in both 1926 and 1928. However, there was a significant gap in usage between 1928 and 1940, with only one recorded birth in 1940. Overall, it appears that Romola was more commonly used as a baby girl's name during the mid-1920s than at any other time period within this dataset.