Virgia is an uncommon, feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word 'virga', meaning 'rod' or 'branch'. In Roman mythology, Virgia was also the maiden surname of the Vestal Virgins, priestesses who served the goddess Vesta. The name Virgia has not been widely used throughout history and thus does not have a significant number of historical figures associated with it. Today, it is rarely encountered, giving those who bear this name a distinctive and unique identity.
The name Virgia experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with only two recorded births in the late 19th century (both in 1885 and 1888) before rising to double digits for the first time in 1893. The name then saw sustained growth, reaching 20 or more births annually between 1917 and 1929, with a peak of 42 births in 1919. After World War II, Virgia's popularity declined sharply, falling below 15 births per year from 1961 onwards, with the latest recorded figure being just 7 births in 1967. Over the entire period, there were a total of 1208 births named Virgia.